Cowboys Trade for Linebacker Dee Winters

On April 25, Dallas Cowboys jumped on Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft, trading with the San Francisco 49ers for Linebacker D.

Winters. They had no second-round pick and didn't want to wait for their spot at Global Number 92 in the third round, so they filled a key linebacker.

Gap they've chased since free agency started. This marked their second deal with the 49ers in weeks.

Earlier, they shipped defensive tackle Osa Odi Jizua to San Francisco for that third-round selection.

In return for Winters, Dallas gave up their Global Number 152 pick from the fifth round. Winters, a 25-year-old Texas native from Brinham, who starred at TCU, brings speed and smarts to the linebacker room.

Drafted in the sixth round by the Niners back in 2023, after earning all Big 12 honors, he's linking up with fellow Texan Demarbian.

Overshown and Shemar James, under new defensive coordinator, Christian Parker.

Right before this, the Cowboys traded up one spot to grab Ohio State Safety Caleb Downs, costing two fifth-rounders, then slid back for UCF pass.

Russia, Malachai, Lawrence, while snagging two fourth-round picks from the Philadelphia Eagles.

These moves stack to defense early, setting Dallas up strong as they reshaped the unit heading into next season.