Can Dallas Cowboys Trust Jerry Jones' Trade Instincts in 2026 NFL Draft?

Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones' past draft-day trades have had mixed results, raising questions about his ability to navigate the 2026 NFL Draft.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 6:54pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a Dallas Cowboys football game, with sharp, overlapping shapes and planes in the team's colors as well as those of their opponent, conveying the complexity and uncertainty of the team's draft decision-making process.A cubist interpretation of the Dallas Cowboys' draft strategy, highlighting the team's mixed history of trading up and down in the first round.Dallas Today

As the 2026 NFL Draft approaches, the Dallas Cowboys are rumored to be considering trading up from their two first-round picks (12th and 20th overall). However, some critics point to Jerry Jones' failed attempt to trade up for Paxton Lynch in the 2016 draft as a reason to doubt the team's ability to make a successful trade this year. While Jones has had both hits and misses when trading up or down in the draft, the Cowboys have historically fared better when moving down rather than up in the first round.

Why it matters

The Cowboys' draft strategy could significantly impact their roster construction and future success. Fans are eager to see the team add top talent, but Jones' past missteps when trading up have raised concerns about the team's decision-making process. How the Cowboys approach the 2026 draft, especially with their two first-round picks, will be closely watched by the fanbase and media.

The details

In 2016, the Cowboys reportedly tried to trade up to select quarterback Paxton Lynch, who ended up being drafted by the Denver Broncos. This failed attempt has been cited as evidence that Jones cannot be trusted to make successful draft-day trades. However, the Cowboys have had mixed results when trading up or down in the first round. In 2010, they traded up to select wide receiver Dez Bryant, which proved to be a successful move. But in 2012, they traded up to take cornerback Morris Claiborne, which did not pan out as well. The Cowboys have found more success when trading down, such as in 2013 when they traded down and selected center Travis Frederick, and in 2024 when they traded down and selected left tackle Tyler Guyton.

  • In 2016, the Cowboys reportedly tried to trade up to select quarterback Paxton Lynch.
  • In 2010, the Cowboys traded up to select wide receiver Dez Bryant.
  • In 2012, the Cowboys traded up to select cornerback Morris Claiborne.
  • In 2013, the Cowboys traded down and selected center Travis Frederick.
  • In 2024, the Cowboys traded down and selected left tackle Tyler Guyton.

The players

Jerry Jones

The owner of the Dallas Cowboys, who has a history of making controversial draft-day trades.

Paxton Lynch

A quarterback who was drafted by the Denver Broncos in 2016, after the Cowboys reportedly tried to trade up to select him.

Dez Bryant

A wide receiver the Cowboys successfully traded up to select in the 2010 NFL Draft.

Morris Claiborne

A cornerback the Cowboys traded up to select in the 2012 NFL Draft, which did not turn out as well as expected.

Travis Frederick

A center the Cowboys selected after trading down in the 2013 NFL Draft, which proved to be a successful move.

Tyler Guyton

A left tackle the Cowboys selected after trading down in the 2024 NFL Draft.

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What they’re saying

“The Cowboys wanted him over Dak Prescott and were trying to trade up in the first round to get him but got outbid.”

— Clarence Hill, Sports Writer

“Never trust Jerry Jones decisions to trade up in the first round”

— Clarence Hill, Sports Writer

What’s next

The Cowboys will have to carefully weigh the pros and cons of trading up or down in the 2026 NFL Draft, considering their past experiences and the potential impact on their roster.

The takeaway

The Dallas Cowboys' draft strategy, especially when it comes to trading up or down, will be closely scrutinized by fans and media. While Jones has had both successful and unsuccessful trades in the past, the team's history suggests they may be better served by trading down rather than up in the first round.