What Dee Winters brings to the Cowboys linebacker group

TL;DR

The Dallas Cowboys acquired linebacker Dee Winters from the San Francisco 49ers for a fifth-round pick. Winters, coming off a breakout season, adds speed and playmaking ability to the Cowboys' defense.

Key points

Cowboys traded a fifth-round pick for Dee Winters
Winters had 101 total tackles in 2025
He scored a 74-yard touchdown on an interception
Winters brings elite speed to the Cowboys' defense
He will play alongside DeMarvion Overshown

Dee WintersDallas CowboysSan Francisco 49ersChicago Bears

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 28: Dee Winters #53 of the San Francisco 49ers gets set during the first half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears at Levi's Stadium on December 28, 2025 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Dallas Cowboys don’t have a draft pick in the second round of the draft, but that didn’t stop them from ‘picking’ someone, as they acquired linebacker Dee Winters from the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a fifth-round pick, 152nd overall. While fans were eagerly watching the draft board for a potential rookie linebacker to slide, the front office took matters into their own hands by going after a proven young veteran instead. This move adds an incredibly fast playmaker to the middle of the Dallas defense without solely relying on an unproven rookie late in the draft. Winters is coming off a breakout season where he showed just how productive he can be when given the opportunity. He started all 17 games for the 49ers and racked up an impressive 101 total tackles. He also showed off his big-play ability by returning his lone interception of the year for a massive 74-yard touchdown. Those are the kind of splashy plays the Cowboys’ defense was sorely missing in the second level last season. Here are Winters PFF numbers for the 2025 season:

Earned a 60.4 overall PFF defensive grade (ranked 46th)
Coverage grade of 62.0 (29th)
Run-defense grade of 62.6 (55th)

Q&A

What did the Cowboys give up to acquire Dee Winters?

The Cowboys traded a fifth-round pick, 152nd overall, to acquire Dee Winters from the San Francisco 49ers.

What were Dee Winters' stats during the 2025 NFL season?

In the 2025 season, Dee Winters recorded 101 total tackles and returned one interception for a 74-yard touchdown.

How does Dee Winters fit into the Cowboys' defensive scheme?

Dee Winters fits well into the Cowboys' defense due to his elite speed and aggressive playing style, making him a great match for defensive coordinator Christian Parker's system.

Who will Dee Winters be playing alongside on the Cowboys' defense?

Dee Winters is expected to play alongside DeMarvion Overshown, forming one of the fastest young linebacker duos in the league.

What Dee Winters brings to the Cowboys linebacker group

TL;DR

Key points

Q&A

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