Cowboys Shuffle Draft Picks in Flurry of Trades

Dallas makes moves to clear cap space and acquire additional picks ahead of 2026 NFL Draft

Mar. 12, 2026 at 2:39am

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The Dallas Cowboys have been active in the trade market, making several moves to clear cap space and acquire additional draft picks ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. The team traded away defensive tackles Osa Odighizuwa and Solomon Thomas, receiving a third-round pick from the 49ers and a seventh-round pick from the Titans in return. Combined with the two compensatory picks the Cowboys were awarded, their 2026 draft haul has been significantly altered.

Why it matters

The Cowboys' wheeling and dealing demonstrates their commitment to building through the draft and managing their salary cap. These trades give them more flexibility and ammunition to address needs in the upcoming draft, which could have major implications for the team's future success.

The details

On Wednesday, the Cowboys traded away Osa Odighizuwa to the 49ers in exchange for a third-round pick, and Solomon Thomas to the Titans for a seventh-round selection. These moves, combined with the two compensatory picks the team was awarded on Monday, have significantly reshaped the Cowboys' 2026 draft class. They now have 9 total picks, including an extra third-rounder and a seventh-rounder.

  • The trades were made on Wednesday, March 12, 2026, the official first day of the new NFL league year.
  • The Cowboys were awarded two compensatory picks on Monday, March 10, 2026, ahead of the start of free agency.

The players

Osa Odighizuwa

A defensive tackle who the Cowboys traded to the 49ers in exchange for a third-round pick.

Solomon Thomas

A defensive tackle who the Cowboys traded to the Titans in exchange for a seventh-round pick.

Rico Dowdle

A running back who the Cowboys lost in free agency, potentially earning them a compensatory pick.

Brandin Cooks

A wide receiver who the Cowboys lost in free agency, potentially earning them a compensatory pick.

Jourdan Lewis

A cornerback who the Cowboys lost in free agency, potentially earning them a compensatory pick.

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What they’re saying

“The Cowboys have been shuffling players for picks, adding compensatories and setting up their draft cards to play.”

— K.D. Drummond, Author

What’s next

The NFL Draft kicks off on Thursday, April 23, 2026 at 7:00 p.m. Central, where the Cowboys will look to utilize their updated draft capital to address needs and build for the future.

The takeaway

The Cowboys' flurry of trades demonstrates their commitment to building through the draft and managing their salary cap. By acquiring additional picks, they have given themselves more flexibility and ammunition to address needs in the upcoming draft, which could have significant implications for the team's long-term success.