Jets Could Land Fourth 2027 First-Rounder in Proposed Cowboys Trade

The Jets could recoup significant draft capital by trading down from the No. 2 overall pick to the Cowboys.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 2:23pm

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The New York Jets are considering a proposed trade with the Dallas Cowboys that would see the Jets move down from the No. 2 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft to No. 12 overall. In return, the Jets would receive the Cowboys' 2027 first-round pick, a 2027 third-round pick, and the 112th overall pick in the 2026 draft. This would give the Jets six first-round picks over the next two years, allowing them to potentially trade up for a top quarterback or make other impactful moves.

Why it matters

This proposed trade would provide the Jets with a substantial amount of future draft capital, which could be used to either select top talent or package in a trade to move up and acquire a franchise quarterback. The Jets are in a position to build a strong roster through the draft, and this deal would give them more flexibility and options to do so.

The details

According to ESPN's Bill Barnwell, the proposed trade would have the Jets moving down from the No. 2 overall pick to No. 12 overall, while also receiving the Cowboys' 2027 first-round pick, a 2027 third-round pick, and the 112th overall pick in the 2026 draft. This would give the Jets six first-round picks over the next two years, along with multiple other premium selections.

  • The proposed trade would occur during the 2026 NFL Draft, which is scheduled for April 2026.

The players

Bill Barnwell

An ESPN analyst who proposed the trade idea between the Jets and Cowboys.

Darren Mougey

The general manager of the New York Jets, who would be responsible for executing any potential trade.

Aaron Glenn

The defensive coordinator of the New York Jets, who would be impacted by the team's draft strategy and roster decisions.

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What they’re saying

“Cowboys get: 1-2, 2027 fifth-round pick. Jets get: 1-12, 4-112, 2027 first-round pick, 2027 third-round pick.”

— Bill Barnwell, ESPN Analyst

What’s next

The Jets will need to carefully evaluate this proposed trade and determine if it aligns with their long-term strategy and roster needs. If they decide to move forward, they will need to negotiate the specific terms with the Cowboys and finalize the deal prior to the 2026 NFL Draft.

The takeaway

This proposed trade would provide the Jets with a significant amount of future draft capital, which could be used to either select top talent or package in a trade to move up and acquire a franchise quarterback. While the Jets would miss out on some top players in the 2026 draft, the potential long-term benefits of this deal could make it a worthwhile move for the team.