Dallas Cowboys Eyeing Blockbuster NFL Draft Trade for Defensive Star

Potential move to acquire safety Caleb Downs could reshape Cowboys' defense

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Dallas Cowboys are reportedly considering a bold trade to move up in the 2026 NFL Draft, with the goal of securing a top-10 pick and selecting safety prospect Caleb Downs. This potential move signals the team's intent to immediately bolster their defense, which struggled at times last season against explosive passing attacks.

Why it matters

Adding an elite safety like Downs could significantly improve the Cowboys' defensive performance and help them compete in a highly competitive NFC. However, trading away valuable draft capital also carries risks, as it could limit the team's ability to address other roster needs through the draft.

The details

The Cowboys are reportedly eyeing the 6th overall pick currently held by the Cleveland Browns, offering their 12th and 20th overall selections in exchange. Downs is viewed as a versatile, instinctive player with excellent coverage skills - qualities that could address the Cowboys' defensive weaknesses from last season.

  • The Cowboys are reportedly considering the trade ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.

The players

Caleb Downs

A highly touted safety prospect who is the primary target of the Cowboys' potential trade.

Dallas Cowboys

The NFL franchise that is exploring a blockbuster trade to move up in the 2026 draft and acquire Caleb Downs.

Cleveland Browns

The team currently holding the 6th overall pick that the Cowboys are targeting in a potential trade.

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What’s next

The Cowboys will need to carefully evaluate the potential trade and weigh the immediate impact of acquiring Caleb Downs against the long-term consequences of depleting their draft assets. The decision could have significant implications for the team's competitive window and future roster-building strategy.

The takeaway

The Cowboys' potential trade for Caleb Downs reflects a growing trend in the NFL of teams prioritizing immediate impact over long-term roster building. While this aggressive approach could pay dividends in the short term, it also carries substantial risks that the Cowboys must carefully consider before making a final decision.