The Cowboys still have a need at linebacker, and Brian Schottenheimer is still greatly admiring one free agent in particular.
The Dallas Cowboys still have an urgent need at linebacker, as every other position on Christian Parker's defense that needed to be addressed has been.
Of course, that isn't from a lack of trying.
Dallas was in for both Quay Walker and Nakobe Dean, but couldn't get the deals over the line as the pair signed with the Las Vegas Raiders. Then there is the failed Maxx Crosby trade.
Still, there are a handful of potential players out there that Dallas could sign.
We've mentioned Bobby Wagner, Bobby Okereke, and then there are ones Dallas would need to trade for in Jordyn Brooks and Azeez Al-Shaair.
So there are options for the Cowboys, and our own Mike Fisher thinks that Dallas will add a veteran linebacker before the draft.
But who the franchise will go after is an interesting thought exercise.
Will the Cowboys want to go after free agents who won't require any draft capital to be used? Or go after the "better" options but part ways with a third-round pick?
One such player, Dallas has been linked with is Wagner.
And as it turns out, head coach Brian Schottenheimer is still a fan of the All-Pro.
“I will say this: No. 1, we have made some really strong runs at inside linebackers," Schottenheimer said on the Up&Adams Show. "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 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.”
Yes, Wagner is older, but that veteran presence is desperately needed.
The downside is that Wagner would likely be a one-year rental. So the long-term security of the position isn't there. Whereas for someone like Brooks or Al-Shaair, fans can expect another three to four years of top-quality production.
Still, if Dallas wanted a plug-and-play linebacker who can wear the green dot and quarterback the defense, Wagner is a good choice.
How the Cowboys address the linebacker need will be an interesting watch over the coming weeks, because there is no shortage of options.