Kay Adams pushes Cowboys coach to sign free agent Bobby Wagner

The NFL Network host is lobbying Dallas to add the veteran linebacker to their roster.

Mar. 31, 2026 at 8:33pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the dynamic action of a football game, with the players' forms broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of color and shape, capturing the raw energy and competition of the sport.A cubist interpretation of the intense rivalry between the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Commanders, as the two teams battle for dominance on the gridiron.Seattle Today

During an interview at the NFL Owners Meeting, NFL Network host Kay Adams urged Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer to pursue signing free agent linebacker Bobby Wagner. Schottenheimer, who previously coached Wagner with the Seattle Seahawks, praised the 35-year-old's talent and expressed interest in adding him to the Cowboys' roster as they look to improve after a 7-9-1 season.

Why it matters

The Cowboys are in need of linebacker help, and Wagner would provide veteran leadership and elite playmaking ability if signed. However, Wagner is a former member of the NFC East rival Washington Commanders, which could complicate any potential deal.

The details

In the interview, Adams told Schottenheimer she doesn't want Wagner to retire without signing with a team for the 2026 season. Schottenheimer acknowledged the Cowboys have made "strong runs" at inside linebackers this offseason, but said he's "one of the biggest Bobby Wagner fans in the world" from their time together in Seattle.

  • The interview took place at the 2026 NFL Owners Meeting on March 31, 2026.

The players

Kay Adams

An NFL Network host who is lobbying the Cowboys to sign free agent linebacker Bobby Wagner.

Brian Schottenheimer

The head coach of the Dallas Cowboys, who previously coached Bobby Wagner with the Seattle Seahawks.

Bobby Wagner

A 35-year-old free agent linebacker who most recently played for the Washington Commanders in the NFC East.

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What they’re saying

“I'm just doing anything so he doesn't hang it up. I'm not ready for that. I know it's a there's a divisional aspect to it. You, of course, have reverence for everybody in the division, and him. What conversations have you had about Bobby?”

— Kay Adams, NFL Network Host

“Well, I will say this number one, we've made some really strong runs at inside linebackers. It hasn't worked out. You're looking at one of the biggest Bobby Wagner fans in the world, being in Seattle with him for three years and watching him compete and just talk trash in a good way. I love that guy, and he's still playing at a high level. So we'll see how everything works out. It's an exciting time of year. But Bobby Wagner, total stud.”

— Brian Schottenheimer, Dallas Cowboys Head Coach

What’s next

The Cowboys will continue to evaluate their options at linebacker in the lead-up to the 2026 NFL Draft, and it remains to be seen if they will pursue a deal to bring in the veteran Bobby Wagner.

The takeaway

This story highlights the influence media personalities can have in pushing teams to pursue certain free agent signings, even when there may be divisional rivalries or other complications involved. The Cowboys' need for linebacker help and Schottenheimer's past connection to Wagner make this a potentially intriguing move, but the team will have to weigh the pros and cons carefully.