Dallas Cowboys Reportedly Planning Blockbuster Trade That Would Turn The NFL Draft Upside Down
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is said to be “open” to making a blockbuster trade ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft that would shake up the offseason.
Jerry Jones has faced criticism for being cautious in free agency over the last two years. He ruffled even more feathers after trading All-Pro linebacker Micah Parsons to the rival Green Bay Packers.
Speaking to reporters on Monday, Cowboys CEO and executive vice president Stephen Jones indicated that his father could make a blockbuster trade involving one of Dallas’ two first-round picks.
Stephen Jones said that Dallas “is certainly open-minded” to trading the No. 12 or No. 20 pick this year. The latter selection is courtesy of the Packers, who gave up Kenny Clark and two firsts for Parsons.
Stephen Jones said the Cowboys are open to trading one of their first round picks. pic.twitter.com/2cum2FZg5e
— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) February 23, 2026
The 83-year-old Jerry has already made one big move. He extended star running back Javonte Williams for $24 million over three years. Per NFL.com’s Judy Battista, Stephen Jones also said that Dallas will use the franchise tag on star wide receiver George Pickens.
Jerry Jones & Cowboys Have Plenty Of Critical Decisions Ahead
The Cowboys may use the franchise tag on Pickens, but that doesn’t fully resolve the matter. Do they sign the superstar wideout to a long-term deal? If they refuse to extend him this year, Pickens could always hold out and/or request a trade.
The offensive line, secondary and defensive line need plenty of upgrades, too. Jones could keep his two first-round picks and add two starters on rookie deals. There’s always a risk in trading a day-one pick for a veteran player, though the Quinnen Williams deal certainly looks good right now.
Dallas isn’t used to missing the playoffs in consecutive seasons. Jones isn’t usually that aggressive in the offseason, but he should be this year after a second straight losing campaign.
