Cowboys Eyeing Aggressive Draft Trade with Titans

Dallas looking to move up from No. 12 pick to bolster defensive front seven

Apr. 6, 2026 at 12:00am

The Dallas Cowboys are considering an aggressive trade scenario with the Tennessee Titans to move up in the upcoming NFL Draft, sources say. Sitting at the No. 12 overall pick, the Cowboys are looking to be more proactive in addressing needs on their defensive front seven, which has struggled in recent seasons.

Why it matters

The Cowboys' defense has been a weak point for the team in recent years, and they are under pressure to make significant improvements in the draft. Moving up the board could allow them to target a premier defensive prospect who can make an immediate impact and help turn around their struggling unit.

The details

According to reports, the Cowboys are exploring the possibility of trading up from their current No. 12 overall pick to a higher position, potentially as high as the Titans' No. 5 selection. This would allow Dallas to get ahead of other teams and secure a top defensive talent to anchor their defensive line or linebacking corps.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 24-26.

The players

Dallas Cowboys

A professional American football team based in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex that competes in the National Football League (NFL) as a member club of the league's National Football Conference (NFC) East division.

Tennessee Titans

A professional American football team based in Nashville, Tennessee that competes in the NFL as a member club of the American Football Conference (AFC) South division.

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What’s next

The Cowboys will continue to evaluate their draft options and negotiate with the Titans in the coming weeks leading up to the NFL Draft in late April.

The takeaway

The Cowboys' reported interest in an aggressive draft trade reflects their urgency to significantly improve their defensive personnel through the draft. Moving up the board could allow them to land an elite defensive prospect to anchor their front seven for years to come.