The Dallas Cowboys are exploring trade options to improve their defense for the 2026 season, considering moving up or down in the draft. Potential trade partners include the Tennessee Titans and other teams to acquire impactful players or additional picks.
Key points
Dallas Cowboys aim to improve their defense for the 2026 season
Options include trading up for top prospects or moving back for more picks
Key prospects include Caleb Downs, Sonny Styles, and Arvell Reese
Trade scenarios are based on the Jimmy Johnson trade value chart
Potential trade partners include the Dolphins, Browns, and Titans
The Dallas Cowboys are trying to improve one of the worst defenses in the NFL into one that can help the team contend in 2026. They have two options to do so in the draft. The first would be to move up for a game-changing prospect, like one of the Ohio State players—safety Caleb Downs, linebacker Sonny Styles, or linebacker and edge rusher Arvell Reese.
The other way is to move back and collect draft picks in the top 100 who can contribute now and develop with the new defensive coaching staff. These trade scenarios focus on point value based on the Jimmy Johnson trade value chart. They add second-round selections, a couple of third-round selections, or move up into the top 10, and even into the top five. Here are some ideas for the Cowboys to be active on Thursday night and the talk of the first round.
Oct 18, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker David Bailey (31) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Oct 18, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker David Bailey (31) against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The idea for this trade is to get Arvell Reese or David Bailey. It costs a little extra, but a premium edge rusher typically does, and the team gets an early second-round pick to add another day-one starter or use as a trade back to recoup the pick they lost in the fourth round.
Q&A
What are the Dallas Cowboys' draft trade options for 2026?
The Cowboys are considering trading up for top prospects or moving back to gather more draft picks.
Who are the key prospects the Cowboys might target in the draft?
The Cowboys are eyeing Ohio State players like safety Caleb Downs and linebackers Sonny Styles and Arvell Reese.
What is the Jimmy Johnson trade value chart and how does it relate to the Cowboys?
The Jimmy Johnson trade value chart helps assess the worth of draft picks, guiding the Cowboys in their potential trade scenarios.
Which teams are potential trade partners for the Cowboys in the draft?
The Dolphins, Browns, and Titans are among the top trade partner options for the Cowboys.
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Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Sonny Styles (0) celebrates a sack by defensive back Caleb Downs (2) during the second half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 22, 2025. Ohio State won 42-9.
Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Sonny Styles (0) celebrates a sack by defensive back Caleb Downs (2) during the second half of the NCAA football game at Ohio Stadium in Columbus on Nov. 22, 2025. Ohio State won 42-9.
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) leaves the field following the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas for the College Football Playoff quarterfinal game against the Miami Hurricanes on Dec. 31, 2025. Ohio State lost 24-14.
Ohio State Buckeyes defensive back Caleb Downs (2) leaves the field following the Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas for the College Football Playoff quarterfinal game against the Miami Hurricanes on Dec. 31, 2025. Ohio State lost 24-14.
This is a trade to grab Downs before the Cincinnati Bengals or the Miami Dolphins. They land the best player in the draft and still have another first-round pick. They could stick and pick an edge to keep their fifth-year option or trade back for more draft capital.
Trade Back with Detriot Lions: 12 for 17 + 50
Dec 23, 2025; Boca Raton, FL, USA; Toledo Rockets safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (7) celebrates a third down stop against the Louisville Cardinals during the third quarter of the Boca Raton Bowl at Flagler CU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Romance-Imagn Images
Dec 23, 2025; Boca Raton, FL, USA; Toledo Rockets safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren (7) celebrates a third down stop against the Louisville Cardinals during the third quarter of the Boca Raton Bowl at Flagler CU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Romance-Imagn Images
The wipeout scenario at 12, where there are no defensive guys left, they can’t move away from. The Lions go up to reload on their offensive line, and the Cowboys add another top 50 pick to rebuild the defense. At 17, they could go defensive back or edge and still get a great value.
Trade Back with Miami Dolphins: 20 + 112 for 30 + 75 + 87
30. Miami Dolphins (from Denver Broncos) – Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State
Miami Dolphins (from Denver Broncos) – Chris Johnson, CB, San Diego State
If Dallas is lucky enough to land one of their premium defenders at 12, the team could look to add picks using the 20th pick as trade bait. The Dolphins have plenty of ammunition to move up and steal a receiver like Jordyn Tyson from the Pittsburgh Steelers, Los Angeles Chargers, and Philadelphia Eagles. The Cowboys stay in round one and add two more top 100 picks.
