Cowboys Explore Trade to Land Top Draft Prospect David Bailey

Dallas visits Texas Tech star as they look to bolster their pass rush through an aggressive draft-day move.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 8:03pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting the dynamic movements of a football player rushing the passer, with sharp lines and planes representing the power and speed of the action.A cubist interpretation of a top NFL draft prospect's explosive pass rushing ability.Lubbock Today

The Dallas Cowboys are reportedly exploring a potential trade with the Arizona Cardinals to move up in the 2026 NFL Draft and select Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey. Bailey, who was named the Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year and a unanimous All-American after a dominant 2025 season, has met with the Cowboys, Chiefs, and Cardinals as he emerges as a top-10 prospect. Landing Bailey would require a significant draft capital investment from Dallas, but the team's need for pass-rushing help makes it a move worth considering.

Why it matters

The Cowboys' defense struggled mightily in 2025, ranking 30th in the league in scoring defense. Losing star linebacker Micah Parsons in a trade left a major void in their pass rush, and the team has been unable to adequately replace that production through free agency. Acquiring the explosive Bailey could help restore the Cowboys' defensive identity and provide a key piece for new coordinator Christian Parker's 3-4 scheme.

The details

According to reports, the Cowboys have engaged in trade discussions with the Cardinals, who hold the 3rd overall pick, about potentially moving up from their 12th and 20th selections to land Bailey. Such a jump would likely require both of Dallas' first-round picks this year, plus potentially a future first-rounder or additional Day 2 selections, making it a costly move. However, the Cowboys' championship window with Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and George Pickens may force them to be aggressive in addressing their pass-rush needs.

  • Bailey met with the Cowboys, Chiefs, and Cardinals in the weeks following the 2026 NFL Combine.
  • The Cowboys are currently exploring trade scenarios with the Cardinals centered around Bailey ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.

The players

David Bailey

A standout edge rusher from Texas Tech who was named the Big 12 Defensive Lineman of the Year and a unanimous All-American after recording 14.5 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss in 2025.

Dak Prescott

The Cowboys' star quarterback who is entering the prime of his career.

CeeDee Lamb

One of the NFL's top young wide receivers, who is a key part of the Cowboys' offensive core.

George Pickens

A talented wide receiver the Cowboys acquired in a trade, adding another dynamic playmaker to their offense.

Christian Parker

The Cowboys' new defensive coordinator, who is transitioning the team to a 3-4 base defense that could benefit from Bailey's skill set.

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What they’re saying

“The Cowboys hold picks at No. 12 and No. 20, the latter acquired in the Micah Parsons trade with Green Bay. Landing Bailey would require moving into the top five, and that kind of jump doesn't come cheap.”

— Todd McShay, ESPN NFL Draft Analyst

“Bailey also met with the Kansas City Chiefs, who have the ninth overall pick, and visited the Arizona Cardinals, who have the third overall pick, following the combine, putting him squarely in the top-10 conversation.”

— Ian Rapoport, NFL Network Insider

What’s next

The Cowboys will continue to evaluate their options and determine if the cost of trading up for Bailey is worth the potential impact he could have on their defense. The Cardinals will also weigh whether to move down from the 3rd overall pick or hold onto the selection, depending on how the draft board shakes out.

The takeaway

The Cowboys' aggressive pursuit of David Bailey highlights their desperation to rebuild their pass rush after a dismal 2025 season. While acquiring the Texas Tech star would come at a steep price, Dallas' championship window may force them to be bold and mortgage future draft capital to land an impact player who could help restore their defensive identity.