Cowboys Secure Dee Winters in Trade with 49ers
The Dallas Cowboys have made a significant move during the 2026 NFL Draft by trading with the San Francisco 49ers to acquire linebacker Dee Winters. This acquisition comes as the Cowboys entered Day 2 of the draft without a second-round pick, preparing to make their selection at 92nd overall in the third round.
Cowboys Trade Details for Dee Winters
In exchange for Winters, the Cowboys sent the 49ers the 152nd overall pick, which is a fifth-round selection for 2026. This marks the second trade between these two teams in just a few weeks. The first trade involved defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa, who was sent to San Francisco in a previous deal.
About Dee Winters
- Age: 25
- Draft Information: Former sixth-round pick by the 49ers in 2023
- College: Played at TCU, recognized as a First-team All-Big 12 talent in 2022
- Hometown: Brenham, Texas; attended Burton High School
Winters fills a crucial need at linebacker for the Cowboys. The team has been actively looking to strengthen this position since the beginning of free agency. He will join Texas native DeMarvion Overshown and Shemar James in an effort to enhance the performance of the linebacker corps in 2026.
Recent Moves and Draft Strategy
This trade coincides with other strategic moves by the Cowboys in the draft. Earlier, the team traded up one spot to select safety Caleb Downs from Ohio State. Additionally, they acquired pass rusher Malachi Lawrence from UCF with the 23rd overall pick. This pick resulted from a trade down with the Philadelphia Eagles, yielding two fourth-round picks for the Cowboys in the 2026 draft.
With Christian Parker as the defensive coordinator and Scott Symons coaching the linebackers, the Cowboys are optimistic about their defensive strategies moving forward. The incorporation of Dee Winters could significantly impact the team’s defensive dynamics in the upcoming season.
