Cowboys, 49ers Shake Up Draft with Linebacker Trade

On April 25th, the Dallas Cowboys and San Francisco 49ers just pulled off another trade for a defensive stud right in the middle of the two.

1026 NFL Draft

The 49ers shipped linebacker D Winters to Dallas in exchange for a fifth-round pick, number 152 overall.

Winters, a 25-year-old former sixth-round pick from 2023 out of TCU, stepped up big last season with 101.

Tackles, his first interception, and solid plays against the run in pass. For the 49ers, it makes sense.

They're stacked at linebacker with Fred Warner locking down the top spot, Dre Greenlaw, back after a quick stint.

In Denver, plus young guys like Tatum Bethune and Nick Martin ready to roll.

They grabbed a draft pick before Winters hits free agency after this year.

Dallas needed depth after losing veteran Logan Wilson to retirement, so Winters slots in perfectly next to Demarveen overshown in the midfield.

It's a proven player for a late-round pick, earning a B-plus grade, though they'll likely push for an extension to keep him long-term.

This move shakes up both rosters mid-draft, setting the stage for how these teams build out their defenses moving forward.