Cowboys Reportedly Eyeing Trade Up for Top Linebacker Prospect

Latest draft intel suggests Dallas is targeting Ohio State's Sonny Styles to address a major need.

Apr. 14, 2026 at 8:08pm

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A cubist-style painting depicting a football linebacker making a tackle, with the player's body broken down into sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in shades of navy, green, and orange, conveying the dynamic energy of the sport.A fractured, geometric illustration captures the raw power and athleticism of a top linebacker prospect as the Dallas Cowboys reportedly eye a trade up to secure his services.Dallas Today

According to multiple league sources, the Dallas Cowboys are expected to explore trading up in the 2026 NFL Draft, with Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles as their top target. The Cowboys have picks at #12 and #20, and are believed to be looking to leapfrog the New York Giants, who hold the #5 overall selection and are also high on Styles. Potential trade partners for Dallas include the Arizona Cardinals at #3 and the Tennessee Titans at #4, both of whom are reportedly open to moving down in the draft order.

Why it matters

The Cowboys have a major need at linebacker, and landing a top prospect like Styles could significantly upgrade their defense. Styles is viewed as a potential elite-level NFL athlete who can excel in both run defense and pass coverage, making him an ideal fit for the modern NFL. A trade up to secure Styles would show the Cowboys' urgency to address this key position of need.

The details

NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported that "several teams have said they believe Dallas is targeting a player the Giants also covet, and getting ahead of them would be ideal if the price makes sense." With the Giants projected to select Styles at #5 in recent mock drafts, the Cowboys would likely need to trade up to at least #4 or #3 to ensure they land the Ohio State standout. Both the Cardinals and Titans have been mentioned as potential trade partners, as they hold the #3 and #4 picks respectively and are open to moving down in the draft order.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft is scheduled for April 23.

The players

Sonny Styles

A highly touted linebacker prospect from Ohio State, Styles is viewed as a potential elite-level NFL athlete who can excel in both run defense and pass coverage.

Dallas Cowboys

The NFL team based in Dallas, Texas that is reportedly looking to trade up in the 2026 draft to target Sonny Styles.

New York Giants

The NFL team based in New York that is also believed to be high on Sonny Styles and could be a competitor for the Cowboys in a potential trade up scenario.

Arizona Cardinals

The NFL team based in Arizona that holds the #3 overall pick in the 2026 draft and has been mentioned as a potential trade partner for the Cowboys.

Tennessee Titans

The NFL team based in Tennessee that holds the #4 overall pick in the 2026 draft and has also been mentioned as a potential trade partner for the Cowboys.

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What they’re saying

“There's a belief among teams at the top of the draft that the Cowboys, who have picks at #12 and #20, are a team to watch in trade-up scenarios, according to multiple league sources.”

— Jordan Schultz, NFL Insider

“Styles' elite level athleticism may make him the best raw talent in the 2026 NFL Draft class. His 6-5, 240+ pound frame helps him hold up against the run even better than he stays with shifty wide receivers and tight ends in coverage.”

— Travis May

What’s next

The Cowboys will need to determine if the cost of trading up to secure Sonny Styles is worth it, and which potential trade partner makes the most sense. The 2026 NFL Draft order will become clearer in the coming weeks as teams finalize their draft boards and strategies.

The takeaway

The Cowboys' reported interest in trading up for Sonny Styles highlights their urgency to address a major need at linebacker. Styles' elite athleticism and versatility make him an ideal target, but the Cowboys will have to weigh the cost of moving up against their other draft needs. This potential trade up scenario adds intrigue to the top of the 2026 NFL Draft.