Logan Wilson: From Wyoming to the NFL’s Linebacker Core

Early Life and College Career

Logan Wilson was born on July 8, 1996, in Casper, Wyoming. He played college football at the Wyoming Cowboys, where he transitioned into the linebacker role after earlier playing other positions. In college, his performance earned attention from NFL scouts, and he entered the 2020 NFL Draft.

In 2020 he was selected in the third round, pick number 65, by the Cincinnati Bengals. His size (listed at about 6-2 and 245 lbs) and his role in college set the stage for his professional career.


Professional Career: Early Seasons

Wilson entered the NFL in 2020. In his rookie season he played in 12 games and recorded 33 total tackles, including 23 solo tackles.
The next year, 2021, he increased his impact: he played 13 games, starting all 13, and registered 100 tackles (57 solo).

As his career progressed, Wilson continued to develop into a core defensive player for the Bengals. He became involved not just in tackling but in coverage and other aspects of linebacker duties.


Performance and Role Development

By the 2022 and 2023 seasons, Wilson’s role was significant. In 2023 he recorded 135 combined tackles, 78 solo, and 57 assisted. He also recorded four interceptions in 2023, adding versatility to his game.

His interception total since entering the league is notable. According to team sources, his 11 career interceptions (as of 2025) were the most by any linebacker who entered the league in 2020.

Wilson also signed a contract extension in 2023 that kept him under contract with the Bengals through the 2027 season.


Challenges and Recent Developments

Despite a strong start and rising profile, Wilson has faced recent challenges. In the 2024 season he sustained a knee injury which ended his season early after 11 games.

In the 2025 season, his role began to have less snap count and he reportedly requested a trade from the Bengals.

These developments mark a shift in his career trajectory, from being a consistent starter to navigating changing team dynamics and health issues.


Playing Style and Key Attributes

Wilson’s game features several aspects worth noting:

He has shown strong tackling numbers, accumulating over 100 tackles in multiple seasons.

His coverage skills for a linebacker are above average, reflected in his interception totals and pass-deflection numbers.

He has also served as the “green dot” player for the Bengals, meaning he relayed defensive play calls on the field.


His size, speed and versatility have enabled him to play both run defense and coverage roles. However, injuries and changing defensive schemes have posed new tests.


Impact and Significance

Wilson’s presence added value to the Bengals’ defense during key seasons. His growth from a draft pick into a team leader reflects how linebackers can evolve in modern NFL systems.

His ability to intercept passes, tackle consistently and operate in varied situations made him a reference point for evaluating younger and peer-linebackers. His trajectory also illustrates how players from less-heralded college programs (like Wyoming) can make an impact in the NFL.


Outlook and Future

Moving forward, Wilson’s future will depend on several factors: recovery from injury, adaptation to possibly new team roles (if a trade occurs), or re-establishing his role with the Bengals. His contract through 2027 offers stability, but changing team needs may alter his path.

For Wilson to continue contributing at a high level he will need to maintain his health, adapt to the evolving demands of linebacker play (which increasingly requires coverage capabilities), and possibly embrace a mentorship role if his snap count declines

Conclusion

Logan Wilson’s career so far has been one of steady ascent, from Wyoming college linebacker to starting NFL player with the Bengals, showcasing tackling, coverage and leadership. His recent changes — injury and trade request — mark a turning point. How he responds to these shifts will define the next chapter of his professional life.

His journey offers insight into the broader dynamics of linebacker play in the NFL: the blend of run defense, coverage responsibilities and leadership. For fans and analysts alike, Wilson remains a player worth watching — not just for what he has accomplished, but for how he evolves in the coming seasons.