Cowboys Aim to Maximize Two First-Round Picks

Dallas looks to fill key defensive needs through free agency and the draft

Jan. 28, 2026 at 5:55pm

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The Dallas Cowboys are eager to make the most of their two first-round picks in the upcoming NFL draft, as they look to bolster their defense through free agency and the draft. With needs at defensive end, linebacker, cornerback and safety, the team is focused on finding the right players to improve the unit and help them contend in 2026 and beyond.

Why it matters

Having two first-round picks is a rare opportunity for the Cowboys to quickly upgrade their roster, especially on the defensive side of the ball where they have several holes to fill. How they approach free agency and the draft will be crucial in determining the team's success next season and in the years to come.

The details

The Cowboys traded away star linebacker Micah Parsons just before the 2025 season, netting them two first-round picks in return. They've since traded one of those picks to the Jets for defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, leaving them with picks #12 and #20 in the upcoming draft. The team's front office, led by VP of Player Personnel Will McClay, is diligently evaluating the draft class to find the right players to address their defensive needs through both free agency and the draft.

  • The Cowboys traded Micah Parsons just days before the 2025 season began.
  • The team currently holds picks #12 and #20 in the 2026 NFL Draft.

The players

Dallas Cowboys

An NFL franchise based in Dallas, Texas that competes in the National Football League.

Will McClay

The Vice President of Player Personnel for the Dallas Cowboys, responsible for overseeing the team's scouting and personnel decisions.

Stephen Jones

The Executive Vice President of the Dallas Cowboys, who helps manage the team's roster and salary cap.

Christian Parker

The newly hired Defensive Coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys, tasked with improving the team's defensive unit.

Quinnen Williams

A defensive tackle acquired by the Cowboys in a trade with the New York Jets.

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What they’re saying

“Having the opportunity to improve the team with two first-round picks is going to be huge. Looking at the talent out here and depending on where it goes, having the opportunity and the flexibility with that is good as we try to rebuild the team and add stuff to it.”

— Will McClay, Vice President of Player Personnel (star-telegram.com)

“Obviously, we've got work to do on the defensive side of the ball. So, between free agency and the draft, there's a lot of resources there that we can use to make our defense better.”

— Stephen Jones, Executive Vice President (star-telegram.com)

“What we've always talked about is filling the holes in free agency when you can and drafting the best players. We'll go through the free agency period. There are some good players out there. We'll have to figure it out from a cap standpoint and all that stuff, but there are some good players out there. And we want to address it, but we want to address it the right way with the right kind of guys.”

— Will McClay, Vice President of Player Personnel (star-telegram.com)

What’s next

The Cowboys will need to navigate free agency and the draft to find the right defensive pieces to complement their recent trade for Quinnen Williams and build a contending team for 2026 and beyond.

The takeaway

The Dallas Cowboys have a rare opportunity with two first-round picks to quickly upgrade their defense through free agency and the draft. How they approach this offseason will be crucial in determining the team's success in the coming years as they look to return to contention in the NFC.