The Dallas Cowboys head into the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft with eight picks. With teams exploring ways to move up in the order, Jerry Jones admitted receiving calls about potential trades.
“Yes,” Jones replied when asked point by Clarence Hil of DLLS Sports whether or not the Cowboys received calls from other teams ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.
“We look at both [trading up or trading down],” Jones said, via K.D. Drummond of USA Today. “There’s every type of trade possible. Players on other rosters, draft picks, all of that is in play.”
The General Manager also added: “You could imagine making a call right now and making a trade. Picks or players. That hasn’t usually been our experience. . . . [But] the nature of having extra picks in that first round gives more credence to some options. And one that would be up or down.”
Jerry Jones, Owner, President & GM, Dallas Cowboys.
In this situation, is it better to receive calls or make them? For Jerry Jones, it’s ultimately the former, as “the results are better.”
Key needs for the Cowboys
Heading into the 2026 NFL Draft, the Dallas Cowboys are expected to prioritize their defense after allowing a league-high 30.1 points per game last season. Their most pressing needs lie in the front seven, specifically at linebacker and edge rusher, as the team looks to find a long-term identity following several roster shifts.
Analysts are closely watching if Jones will finally trade up from the No. 12 pick to secure a blue-chip talent like Ohio State’s Sonny Styles, who would provide much-needed range and size at linebacker.
Additionally, the secondary remains a concern; while the team recently added depth, securing a high-upside cornerback or a versatile safety like Dillon Thieneman is considered essential to fortifying the back end of Mike McCarthy’s defense.
Dallas’ available picks
- Round 1: No. 12
- Round 1: No. 20
- Round 3: No. 92 (via 49ers)
- Round 4: No. 112
- Round 5: No. 152
- Round 5: No. 177 (compensatory pick)
- Round 5: No. 180 (compensatory pick)
- Round 7: No. 218
When and where is the next Draft?
The 2026 NFL Draft begins tomorrow, Thursday, April 23, and runs through Saturday, April 25. The event is being held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, with activities centered around the North Shore, Point State Park, and Acrisure Stadium.
This marks the first time the “Steel City” has hosted the draft since 1948, bringing the league’s biggest offseason event to one of football’s most historic markets.
