Dallas Cowboys Trying To Trade Ahead of Rival Team in 2026 NFL Draft?

TL;DR

The Dallas Cowboys are considering trading up in the 2026 NFL Draft to secure a player that their rival, the New York Giants, also wants. They hold the 12th and 20th overall picks and have the draft capital to make a significant move.

With the 2026 NFL Draft roughly two weeks away, it’s a great time to be a Dallas Cowboys fan. Boasting two selections in the first round, April 23 has a chance to feature fireworks for Dallas. As we’ve seen in the past, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones isn’t afraid to swing a big deal, and that could be what’s in the works this year too.

According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Cowboys may be eyeing a trade up in the first round of the draft, where they hold the 12th and 20th overall picks. Better yet, Schultz adds that the Cowboys may be targeting a player they believe their NFC East division rival, New York Giants are coveting too.

“There’s a belief among teams at the top of the draft that the Cowboys, who have picks at #12 and #20, are a team to watch in trade-up scenarios, according to multiple league sources. Several teams have said they believe Dallas is targeting a player the Giants also covet, and getting ahead of them would be ideal if the price makes sense.”

Jordan Schultz on Cowboys draft rumors

The Cowboys certainly have the draft compensation required to launch up the draft board. Moving up from 12 or even 20 won’t come cheaply, especially if the goal is to get ahead of the Giants, who have the fifth overall pick.

Dallas has a total of eight selections across the three-day draft event. Yet, as Schultz noted, they may be chasing one of this year’s top talents, possibly in a partial attempt to keep him away from their rivals as an added bonus.

Who could the Cowboys be targeting, if it’s someone the Giants may also want?

The best guesses are linebacker Sonny Styles or Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love. Both are projected top-five picks. Though other reports suggest the Cowboys want to move up for an edge rusher, but that wouldn’t be someone on the Giants’ radar, since they have Abdul Carter, Brian Burns, and Kayvon Thibodeaux.

Either way, Cowboys fans will want to have their popcorn ready, probably before they’re scheduled to be on the clock with the No. 12 pick. Things could heat up a lot earlier.

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Q&A

What picks do the Dallas Cowboys have in the 2026 NFL Draft?

The Dallas Cowboys hold the 12th and 20th overall picks in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Which team are the Cowboys trying to outmaneuver in the draft?

The Cowboys are trying to outmaneuver the New York Giants, who have the fifth overall pick.

Who reported the Cowboys' potential trade-up plans for the NFL Draft?

NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported that the Cowboys may be looking to trade up in the draft.