The Dallas Cowboys are making it crystal clear: defense is the name of the game in 2026. During the second round of the NFL Draft, the team pulled off a trade with the San Francisco 49ers to bring in veteran linebacker Dee Winters. It’s a move that adds proven talent to a unit that’s already been infused with fresh, high-round picks.
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Cowboys sent the No. 152 overall pick to the 49ers in exchange for Winters. The 25-year-old has been a solid contributor in San Francisco since entering the league in 2023. Last season, Winters posted 101 tackles, five pass breakups, and an interception, showing he can hold his own as a starter.
But why would the 49ers let him go? The answer lies in their own roster moves. San Francisco recently brought back linebacker Dre Greenlaw on a one-year deal. Greenlaw has been a force in the Bay Area, racking up 455 tackles, three interceptions, and two forced fumbles during his time there. With Greenlaw back in the fold, Winters became expendable—and Dallas jumped at the chance.
This trade isn’t happening in a vacuum. The Cowboys have been on a defensive spending spree this draft. In the first round, they snagged Ohio State safety Caleb Downs with the No. 11 pick. Downs is expected to make an immediate impact under new head coach Brian Schottenheimer. “I think it’s just being able to make plays in all facets of the game,” Downs said. “Whether that’s near the line of scrimmage or in the deep part of the field, I feel like I could do it all and it’ll be a great relationship to be able to do that with the Cowboys.”
Then, with the No. 23 pick, Dallas selected UCF defensive end Malachi Lawrence. Lawrence was a menace in college, tallying 28 tackles for loss and 20 sacks over his career. Pairing him with Winters and Downs gives the Cowboys a much younger, more athletic front seven and secondary.
It’s no secret that Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has made fixing the defense a top priority. After a season that saw the team struggle at times to stop opponents, these moves signal a clear shift in philosophy. The addition of Winters, in particular, brings a versatile, experienced linebacker who can play in space and rush the passer.
Some analysts have questioned whether the Cowboys overpaid for Winters, but the front office seems confident. Meanwhile, the draft continues to deliver drama and surprises—like the leaked high school GPA of quarterback Carson Beck that sent shockwaves through the league. But for Dallas, the focus remains on building a championship-caliber defense.
The 49ers, for their part, now have an extra pick to work with. They’ve been busy themselves, with rumors swirling about potential moves involving stars like Kayvon Thibodeaux. But for now, the spotlight is on Dallas and their aggressive approach to the draft.
With Winters in the fold, the Cowboys' defense looks deeper and more dangerous. Whether this gamble pays off remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: Jerry Jones is all in on stopping the run and pressuring the quarterback. The rest of the NFC East better take notice.
