Cowboys Considering All Draft Options, Including Trading Up or Down

With two first-round picks, Dallas is open to improving their roster through draft maneuvering.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 9:56pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting an abstract football game or NFL Draft scene, with sharp geometric shapes and planes of color representing the various moving parts and decisions the Cowboys must navigate.The Cowboys' draft strategy is a complex puzzle, with multiple options and angles to consider as they aim to improve their roster through the 2026 NFL Draft.Frisco Today

The Dallas Cowboys are open to trading up, down, or staying put in the 2026 NFL Draft, according to team owner Jerry Jones and executive vice president Stephen Jones. With two first-round picks, the Cowboys are looking to address needs at linebacker and EDGE rusher, and are willing to be flexible with their draft capital to land the right players.

Why it matters

The Cowboys' willingness to trade their draft picks shows they are committed to improving their roster and are not afraid to be aggressive in the draft. This could lead to them landing top talent, but also carries the risk of overpaying or missing out on key players if the trades don't work out.

The details

The Cowboys acquired the 12th and 20th overall picks in the 2026 NFL Draft after trading linebacker Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers last August. They also regained a third-round pick by trading defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa to the San Francisco 49ers in March. With holes still to fill, particularly at linebacker and EDGE rusher, the Cowboys are considering all options - trading up, trading down, or staying put and making their two first-round selections.

  • The Cowboys acquired the 12th and 20th overall picks in the 2026 NFL Draft after trading Micah Parsons to the Packers in late August 2025.
  • The Cowboys regained a third-round pick by trading Osa Odighizuwa to the 49ers in March 2026.

The players

Jerry Jones

Owner and general manager of the Dallas Cowboys.

Stephen Jones

Executive vice president and director of player personnel for the Dallas Cowboys.

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What they’re saying

“Absolutely. We'll entertain improving or an in-draft read on what gives us a better chance to get another player, and still have our pick and the red meat of top players.”

— Jerry Jones, Owner and general manager

“Draft picks obviously get more and more valuable as people get fired up about the upcoming draft. They're doing their homework. They're looking at all the guys that are going to be coming in the draft. They get fired up about it and picks become a premium.”

— Stephen Jones, Executive vice president and director of player personnel

What’s next

The Cowboys will continue to evaluate their options leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft, weighing the potential benefits and risks of trading up, down, or staying put with their two first-round picks.

The takeaway

The Cowboys' willingness to be flexible with their draft capital shows they are committed to improving their roster through the draft, even if it means being aggressive and making bold moves. This approach carries both upside and downside, but demonstrates the team's determination to find the right players to fill their remaining needs.