Cowboys Predicted for Blockbuster Trade to Deny Chiefs in 2026 NFL Draft

Dallas may need to jump ahead of Kansas City to land a top defensive prospect.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 7:47pm

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A fractured, multi-perspective painting featuring sharp, overlapping geometric planes in the colors of the Cowboys and Chiefs, conceptually representing the competition between the two teams for a top defensive prospect in the upcoming NFL Draft.The intense competition between the Cowboys and Chiefs for top defensive talent in the 2026 NFL Draft is captured in this cubist-inspired illustration.Kansas City Today

The Dallas Cowboys have clear defensive needs heading into the 2026 NFL Draft. To address one of those needs, team owner Jerry Jones may need to execute a trade to move up in the draft order and leapfrog the Kansas City Chiefs, who are also targeting the same position.

Why it matters

The Cowboys and Chiefs are both in need of defensive help, and they could be competing to select the same top prospect. A trade by Dallas to move up the draft board would allow them to secure that player before Kansas City has a chance.

The details

According to reports, the Cowboys and Chiefs both have their eyes on a specific defensive player, Delane, who is projected to be a top-10 pick. Dallas has the flexibility to make a trade happen with their two first-round selections, but they'll need to jump ahead of Kansas City to land Delane.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 2026.

The players

Jerry Jones

The owner of the Dallas Cowboys.

Delane

A top defensive prospect expected to be selected in the top 10 of the 2026 NFL Draft.

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What’s next

The Cowboys will need to determine if they are willing to part with one of their first-round picks in order to move up in the draft and secure Delane before the Chiefs have a chance.

The takeaway

This potential trade highlights the intense competition between the Cowboys and Chiefs for top defensive talent in the 2026 NFL Draft, as both teams look to bolster their rosters and gain an edge over the other.