Bengals players reflect on the team's decision to trade Logan Wilson to the Cowboys, sharing their emotions and thoughts on the move.
CINCINNATI – The Bengals' decision to trade Logan Wilson to the Dallas Cowboys didn't come as a surprise to anyone, especially after Wilson was benched and requested a trade a few weeks prior. However, the emotions felt by Wilson's former teammates were palpable on Tuesday, the day the trade was announced.
Rookie Barrett Carter, who replaced Wilson in the starting lineup, was in the training room when the news broke. He recalled Wilson walking in to say his goodbyes, and the two shared an emotional embrace. Carter expressed his feelings in a heartfelt interview after the team's final practice of the bye week.
"A lot of emotions. That's my guy," Carter said. "I date back to the day I got drafted, Logan was the first person to text me. This is including family, friends, random people. Logan was the first text I received. So from that moment, he always was near and dear to my heart. That was before I even met him. And then I met him, and he's the best guy ever."
Carter emphasized Wilson's impact on his development, both as a player and a person. "Obviously, he's a great player, but he showed me what it looks like, what it means to be great in all areas," Carter said. "I hate to see him go. I'm super sad. But I'm happy he's getting an opportunity to go show what he can do, because he can bring so much value. He brought so much value to us and to me. I'm happy for him, and I'm rooting for him in whatever he does."
Demetrius Knight, another teammate who received a text from Wilson on draft night, shared a similar sentiment. "It definitely sucks because the first person a young Demetrius Knight gets a text from on draft night, and it's like 'Man, that's Logan Wilson sending me a text message saying welcome home,’" Knight said. "That's my brother and another guy I continue to walk in faith with. I know he's definitely walking that journey right now, trusting in the Lord."
Knight plans to stay in touch with Wilson, offering support and encouragement. "I'm definitely going to be on a couple of phone calls with him to make sure he's all right and if there's anything that my family can do to help in this crazy time. Just be there for him. There's nothing better than love for a brother," Knight added.
Trey Hendrickson and B.J. Hill, who were also voted first-time captains this year, expressed their respect for Wilson and their sadness at his departure. Hendrickson acknowledged Wilson's professionalism and his positive impact on the team. "I have nothing but respect for the way he handled himself as a professional in times of adversity. Faith, family, football, in that order, I think he established that. He's a good, God-fearing man. I have a tremendous amount of respect for him as a football player and what he's done in his career. And I have even more respect for how he carries himself as a man and now a captain," Hendrickson said.
Hill, who has firsthand experience with trades, added a unique perspective. "You hate seeing guys leave, especially when they're traded," he said. "Getting traded sucks, especially when you've been somewhere for so long and it's all you know. I hate to see a great guy like that leave. It can work out great in the long run, but man, when you're around a group of guys for so long and then get traded, it sucks. Those bonds you build with your teammates are real, and they're strong."
Despite the bittersweet feelings, the Bengals and Cowboys are both on a bye this week, providing a moment of reflection for Wilson's former teammates. Wilson will make his Dallas debut on November 17th, and many of his former teammates plan to watch, eager to see his next steps in the NFL.
"A phenomenal player like that, he's got to be on the field," Knight said. "Another team sees that in him."
Bengals offensive coordinator Dan Pitcher also shared his thoughts on Wilson's impact on the team. "How could you not just look back fondly on just critical, critical plays he made during the Super Bowl run, and obviously the interception at the end of the Tennessee game," Pitcher said. "That's one that sticks out to me among many. But Logan's always been a great guy to me. He's a high character dude, and I wish him nothing but the best."
