Dallas is reportedly trading pick No.152 to the San Francisco 49ers for linebacker Dee Winters, and I like this move.
The Dallas Cowboys did not wait long to make a little noise on Day 2 of the the 2026 NFL Draft.
I know this isn’t the flashy linebacker fans wanted, but it does make sense knowing it was going to be difficult to move into the second round for one of the top linebackers in the draft.
Who’s Dee Winters?
Dee Winters is a 25-year-old linebacker who played at TCU. He ran a 4.49 forty at the NFL Combine.
He is coming off a 2025 season where he had 101 tackles and one interception for the 49ers. For a fifth-round pick I think that is some good value.
We all know the Cowboys needed more speed and depth at linebacker and Winters gives them both. He also comes with starting experience and should immediately step in and help on special teams.
A lot of fifth-rounders never become anything and Dallas just used one to get a young guy who has already produced in the NFL.
49ers and Cowboys Partnership
This is the second Cowboys-49ers trade in a matter of weeks after Dallas sent Osa Odighizuwa to San Francisco for a Day 2 pick.
That earlier move helped Dallas regain draft picks after the trades for Quinnen Williams and George Pickens left them thin in the middle rounds.
I know some fans will look at this and say, “Why give up a pick?” With pick 152 you’re usually hoping to find a role player and Dee Winters can be that and more.
I’m not saying this fixes everything. Dallas still needs to keep building the roster through the draft, but this is the kind of good move teams make.
Finding a young player with good traits and experience then betting on your staff to get more out of him is a win.
For me, this is a smart, low-risk trade by the Cowboys, and they got faster at linebacker, added a proven player, and did not give up much to do it.
That’s a win in my book.
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