Armed with multiple first-round picks, Jones has the flexibility to maneuver up the board in pursuit of elite talent. For a team looking to win the Super Bowl for the first time in three decades, standing pat may not be the preferred strategy.

This possibility also carries indirect implications for the Giants. If the Cowboys execute a trade earlier than expected, such as moving into the No. 6 spot, it could ease pressure on New York’s draft positioning and reduce the likelihood of a direct bidding war at the very top.

Will the Cowboys trade up in 2026 NFL Draft?

Mel Kiper Jr. outlined one of the more intriguing scenarios in his latest mock draft, highlighting just how realistic a Cowboys move could be. “Let’s have some fun here. Dallas and Cleveland each have two first-round picks coming into the draft, which gives those front offices some ability to maneuver. With an elite prospect still on the board, I have Cowboys owner Jerry Jones calling up Browns general manager Andrew Berry to try to make something happen. In this scenario, Dallas would trade pick Nos. 12 and 20 to Cleveland for Nos. 6 and 39.”

What does this mean for the Giants?

If this projection holds, the Cowboys would secure a premium draft position without needing to climb into the top four, potentially removing them from direct competition with the Giants (No. 5 pick) for the very top prospects.

That outcome could simplify New York’s decision-making process, particularly if they are juggling both draft strategy and the uncertainty surrounding Dexter Lawrence.

At the same time, the mere possibility of a trade underscores how aggressive Dallas could be. Even if the Cowboys don’t land at No. 6 specifically, their willingness to package picks and move up suggests they are prepared to act decisively. That unpredictability keeps pressure on teams like the Giants, who must remain flexible in their own planning.

Right now, across the NFL, reports are incredibly divided between those who think a trade is imminent and those supporting information on Harbaugh’s trying to keep Lawrence. Connor Hughes shed light on the team’s mindset, emphasizing that a deal is far from inevitable.

“The preferred outcome for all is still keeping Lawrence with the Giants and New York would like to make that happen – want to make that clear. They won’t trade him unless blown away.”

Why Giants should be careful with Cowboys trade?

One emerging factor that could shift the landscape is the aggressiveness of the Dallas Cowboys. Reports and projections indicate that Jerry Jones could be looking to trade up into the top four picks, potentially targeting the No. 3 or No. 4 spot. Such a move would not only reshape the draft board but could also indirectly impact the Giants’ leverage in any Lawrence discussions.

If the Cowboys are indeed preparing to make a bold move, whether for an offensive weapon like Jeremiyah Love or a premier defensive prospect, it could trigger a chain reaction.

Teams picking near the top might receive stronger offers, and the overall market for elite talent, including proven players like Lawrence, could become even more competitive.

Ultimately, the Giants are walking a fine line. They might prefer to keep Lawrence, but the dynamics of draft night, especially with an aggressive team like Dallas looming, could force their hand if an overwhelming offer materializes.

Holding the fifth overall pick, the Giants have a plethora of options—including trading down and improving their draft capital. According to reports, New York has narrowed its draft decision down to Jeremiyah Love and Sonny Styles. However, the Cowboys could rain on their parade if they effectively move up the board. The Giants must have eyes on their back when it comes to the Cowboys, but the front office in East Rutherford is reportedly set on not cutting a deal with the team in Arlington.

According to NFL draft insider Robinson Wittmore, the Cowboys have had trade talks with the Arizona Cardinals, Tennessee Titans, and Cleveland Browns (who own the third, fourth, and sixth overall picks in 2026, respectively). However, they haven’t been able to reach the Giants, who want nothing to do with them.

Why Giants won’t trade picks with Cowboys

New York and Dallas could be coveting the same prospects in the upcoming draft class, and it’s highly unlikely the Giants will serve as an entry point for the Cowboys. If Jones and company want to sneak into the top five, they will have to sway a front office other than the one in the Big Apple.

Trading with the Cowboys is a no-go for the G-Men. Senior vice president and general manager Joe Schoen is walking on thin ice; making such a risky trade with Dallas could be the final nail in his coffin as an executive in East Rutherford. Schoen has enough on his plate already.

If Schoen doesn’t find a solution to Dexter Lawrence’s trade request, the Giants could face tension and locker room controversy. Thus, Schoen can’t afford to make his life any harder by switching places with the Cowboys in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Cowboys should focus on other teams’ picks

For the Cowboys, Jones and his front office could go ahead and scratch the area codes 201 and 551. There’s a better chance that hell freezes over than anyone in East Rutherford picking up one of their phone calls.

As for Arizona, Tennessee, and Cleveland, the odds are much better with those franchises. The Cowboys own the 12th and 20th overall picks, which could be very appealing to an organization in the top five looking to move down.

However, the defensive side of the ball tells a different story. The departure of Micah Parsons left a massive void in 2025, stripping the unit of playmaking at the edge rusher position. While the additions of Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark provide a significant boost in the trenches, the defense still lacks the depth and versatility needed to compete with the NFL’s top contenders.

That imbalance could define Jones’ strategy heading into draft night. With a roster that feels close but incomplete, the Cowboys are widely expected to be aggressive. A trade, particularly one aimed at securing a defensive cornerstone, could happen early trying to chase that elusive Super Bowl.

Who will the Cowboys draft in 2026?

One projection gaining traction involves a bold move up the board in a trade with the Cleveland Browns at No. 6 to land linebacker Sonny Styles, a prospect viewed as a potential defensive centerpiece. Mel Kiper Jr. outlined the reasoning behind such a move, emphasizing just how urgent the Cowboys’ defensive needs are.

“Dallas wasn’t stopping anyone last season. We’ve all wondered whether the Cowboys would use both of their first-round picks on defense this month, but this trade up the board might have a greater impact, even if it means sacrificing one of those Day 1 selections. Styles is my No. 4 prospect, and he is explosive (43½-inch vertical jump), rangy (4.46 in the 40-yard dash) and productive (77 tackles last season).”

That scenario would signal a clear shift in priorities for Dallas. Rather than spreading resources across multiple needs, the Cowboys would be targeting a high-impact defender capable of transforming the unit immediately. Styles’ athletic profile and production suggest he could step in as a tone-setter from day one.

According to a report from NFL insider Jordan Schultz, there’s a strong belief that the Cowboys are looking for ways to trade up in the 2026 NFL Draft. Dallas currently owns two first-round selections, but none in the top 10. Thus, it makes sense why the Cowboys could be eyeing the higher picks in the draft.

Schultz also reported that the Cowboys are interested in a player high on the Giants’ draft board. Thus, if Dallas indeed moves up, it will look to get ahead of New York (fifth overall). The Giants were reportedly interested in trading down, but learning the Cowboys’ plans could now change things.

Cowboys complicate things for NY Giants

Dallas’ interest could put New York between a rock and a hard place. If the G-Men move down, they clear the way for the Cowboys to come in and snag their coveted prospect. If they stay put, they run the same risk and could come away empty-handed. The last option is to move up and block out the Cowboys, but it’s far from a good look for the Giants if they are bullied by their divisional counterparts into such a decision.

The silver lining for New York is that the 2026 draft class is quite stacked, and regardless of where it selects in the first round, it should come away with a promising talent. If not, then the problem may not lie with the Cowboys, but rather within the Giants’ facilities.

Who are the Giants and Cowboys both interested in?

Needless to say, the front office in East Rutherford is facing crucial decisions. In addition to this conflict of interests, reports hint Malik Nabers’ injury rehab brings up a dilemma for the Giants, who many link to Jeremiyah Love. Perhaps it’s Love whom Dallas is after, too.

However, the buzz across the league favors a defensive player being in the crosshairs of Jerry Jones and his Cowboys. Based on projections, it could very well be Ohio State linebacker Sonny Styles whom the G-Men and “Dem Boys” are after.

Others point at fellow alum of the Ohio State University, safety Caleb Downs. At this point in time, there aren’t any wrong guesses as to which prospect New York and Dallas could be set to compete for.

Can Dallas trade up in the 2026 NFL Draft?

With reports suggesting teams in the top five—like the Arizona Cardinals and New York Giants—are looking to move down, the Cowboys might be in prime position to move up. Dallas has appealing draft capital, including the 12th and 20th overall selections in 2026. One of those—if not both—could come in handy for Jones to work his way into the top five and ahead of the Giants in the draft order.

If Dallas pulls it off at a reasonable price, it could well be a draft-day decision fans remember for a long time. As much scrutiny as Jones and the front office have been under, there might be nothing fans in the American Dream City love more than getting one over divisional opponents. If the Cowboys can do so while securing a franchise player for the future, it might be the biggest win in a very long time for Dallas.

Joe Schoen’s job security in East Rutherford may not survive such a tough blow, so the Giants must strive to avoid this scenario playing out at all costs. The Cowboys–Giants rivalry is alive and well in the NFL, and it might be in for an early battle before a single snap is played in 2026.

The offense is not the problem, as Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb, and George Pickens led a unit that was one of the best in the league. However, Jones faces a huge challenge to rebuild the defense after a disastrous 2025.

In this scenario, in recent weeks rumors have grown about a possible Dallas trade to make a splash in the first round. It appears Jerry Jones will be all in trying to find a generational player.

Will the Cowboys make trade in 2026 NFL Draft?

Jerry Jones confirmed that the Dallas Cowboys are considering a big trade during the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. “Absolutely. I’ve looked at that mirror a lot, about how to go up and down and trade and do those kinds of things. 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. Now that has an on-the-board aspect to it, but it’s very doable.”

How many picks do the Cowboys have in the first round of 2026 NFL Draft?

The Dallas Cowboys have two picks in the first round (No. 12 and No. 20). That gives them strong assets to make a trade up into the top 10 to draft a star defensive player or, in a very surprising move, go after running back Jeremiyah Love.

Love’s versatility and explosive playmaking ability make him a potential cornerstone for any offense. Teams picking after the top five will be watching closely, knowing that missing out on a player of his caliber could leave a lasting gap. The Browns, who hold the No. 6 pick, could benefit significantly if Love slides past the Titans and Giants.

According a report from Field Yates, the Browns could make a trade if Love is still available. “I think the Browns are rooting for this most clearly, Jeremiyah Love to not go to the Titans or the Giants.” In this scenario, the Kansas City Chiefs or the Cowboys could be options.

Who will draft Jeremiyah Love?

If Jeremiyah Love is still available at No. 6, the Browns could receive a massive offer from a team eager to secure him. The Kansas City Chiefs, who hold the No. 9 and No. 29 picks in the first round, are among the franchises that could be willing to trade up. Another potential surprise could be the Dallas Cowboys, who also have two first-round selections and may see Love as a perfect fit for their offense.

Trading back would allow the Browns to acquire extra draft capital while still potentially landing a high-impact player later in the first round. This strategy could set the team up for multiple key additions in the 2026 NFL Draft, addressing several roster needs at once.

Ultimately, Jeremiyah Love represents both talent and leverage. Whether the Browns select him directly or uses his draft stock to gain more picks, Love’s presence in the draft could shape Cleveland’s offseason strategy and future success for years to come.

“When you’ve got the kind of assets or the kind of ammunition we’ve got in this draft, you should look at all machinations,” Jones said, via the team’s website. “It’s one thing to sit here right now, it’s another thing to sit and look at it three hours into the draft and see what you got there.

“So all of that is a possibility. This is an obvious statement, but nothing — no amount of skill, no amount of knowledge — can beat having a lot of draft capital, having a lot of picks.”

America’s Team picks

The Dallas Cowboys enter the draft in a unique position, holding the 12th and 20th overall picks to bolster their roster. However, the team will be watching from the sidelines during the second round, having traded that asset to the Jets in the blockbuster deal for Quinnen Williams.

This aggressive move leaves the front office with a top-heavy strategy as they look to maximize their remaining capital:

• 1st round, 12th overall
• 1st round, 20th
• 3rd round, 92nd
• 4th round, 112th
• 5th round, 177th (compensatory)
• 5th round, 180th (compensatory)
• 7th round, 218th

Areas to strengthen for Dallas

The Dallas Cowboys and Jerry Jones enter this draft with a massive defensive void to fill, specifically the vacancy left by Micah Parsons after his blockbuster trade to Green Bay. To address this, the front office is expected to use their two first-round picks to target high-impact defensive players, with a strong focus on finding a premier edge rusher and a versatile linebacker who can recreate at least some of that lost production.

Reinforcing the secondary also remains a priority as they look to rebuild a unit that must now learn to compete without its perennial All-Pro game-changer.

“My interpretation of the 18th game would be less preseason games. I like that,” he said via nbcsports.com. “I think that’s great for the players — emphasize great for the players. It increases the viability of the financial aspect, more gate and more money for the players as well.”

Additionally, the man in charge of America’s Team made it clear that the move isn’t just financially positive for the players. Greater exposure could also be beneficial for them.

“I think it’s a better application of their careers and talent. less preseason, more playing in games that have the right balance of the financial rewards as well as exposure,” Jones added.

Latest changes in the NFL

The NFL officially expanded the regular season to 17 games in March 2021, marking the first increase in the number of scheduled matchups since 1978. To accommodate this change, the league reduced the preseason to three games and extended the total calendar to 18 weeks, including one bye week for each team.

When do the Cowboys kick off their season?

The Dallas Cowboys are set to kick off their 2026 campaign following the official start of the NFL regular season on Wednesday, September 9, 2026. While the league has confirmed that the defending champion Seattle Seahawks will host the opening game that night, the full schedule—including the specific date, time, and opponent for the Cowboys’ Week 1 matchup—is expected to be released in mid-May.

Jones already knows the Cowboys’ opponents

“Hey look, GP loves it here. We love GP,” the head coach said Monday at the Annual League Meeting in Phoenix. “We have plans for GP to be here for a long time. So, we’ll let the business side of this thing play out and see where it goes.”

Pickens might sit out of offseason activities while awaiting a possible long-term deal. “We’re still a couple weeks away,” Schottenheimer also said of organized team activities. “It’s gonna play out how it plays out and again, it’s all voluntary. So we’ll see where it goes.”

Pickens and the rest of the franchise-tagged players have until July 15 to negotiate with their teams. These will be key moments to draw attention for both sides as they look ahead to the upcoming NFL season.

Pickens’ big 2025 with America’s Team

After being acquired from the Pittsburgh Steelers in May 2025, George Pickens enjoyed a career-defining breakout season with the Dallas Cowboys. He quickly became a favorite target for Dak Prescott, finishing the 2025 regular season with an impressive 93 receptions for 1,429 yards and 9 touchdowns in 17 games.

His explosive playmaking ability was on full display as he averaged 15.4 yards per catch, proving to be the elite deep threat Dallas needed to complement CeeDee Lamb. This dominant performance not only led to his first Pro Bowl selection but also solidified his status as one of the premier wide receivers in the league.

Major air weapons for Prescott

Undoubtedly, Dak Prescott can feel lucky. He has one of the most effective receiving corps in the league, as proven last season, throwing for 4,552 yards and finishing 3rd in this ranking, just behind Matthew Stafford and Jared Goff.

For 2026, this is the intriguing group of players who will be on the field and available for the Cowboys’ QB:

The most important could be related to Rio de Janeiro and the matchup the Dallas Cowboys will play at Maracana Stadium since, unlike what happened in 2024 and 2025, it could not be held in Week 1.

Last year, the Kansas City Chiefs faced the Chargers on September 5, while two seasons ago, the Eagles played against the Packers on September 6. Now, there could be a plot twist.

Brazil 2026 international game might suffer important change

The game in Brazil that the Cowboys will play in 2026 cannot be scheduled for Week 1 due to legal issues, according to a report from Adam Schefter during a special appearance on The Pat McAfee Show.

“I don’t think they’re allowed to do Fridays. The Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961 prohibits NFL games on the second Friday in September to the second Saturday in December. Labor Day is Monday, September 7. So, the NFL cannot violate the Sports Broadcasting Act of 1961 and schedule a game Friday night this year.”

The big difference is that, in 2024 and 2025, the games the NFL scheduled in Brazil were in the first week of September. Now, the calendar arrangement made the NFL kickoff scheduled for the second week of September. Because of this, there cannot be a game on Friday and the league had to move to a Wednesday–Thursday tandem.

When is 2026 NFL kickoff?

The 2026 NFL kickoff is scheduled for Wednesday, September 9, when the Seattle Seahawks will host an opponent to be determined. The tradition of having the opening game at the home stadium of the defending Super Bowl champions remains in place.

Then, on Thursday the 10th, the Los Angeles Rams and the San Francisco 49ers will face off in Melbourne in the first regular-season game in Australia. This indicates that the league has decided to use the Wednesday and Thursday slots since the NFL legally cannot do so on Friday.