There has been a lot of recent talk about the Dallas Cowboys moving around in this year’s draft after Jerry Jones spoke at the owner’s meetings. While currently sitting right on the border of a first-round graded player with the 12th overall pick by most draft analysts, the Cowboys could look to trade up or trade down depending on what happens on draft night.
Today we will take a look at multiple realistic trade options the Cowboys could look to pursue during the 2026 NFL draft.
Trade up with Cleveland
Cleveland’s GM Andrew
Berry has spoke publicly about wanting to trade out of the sixth overall pick in this year’s draft. With the Cowboys eyeing defensive help, there is a world where Arvell Reese, Rueben Bain Jr., Mansoor Delane, Caleb Downs, and Sonny Styles are all off the board before the Cowboys are on the clock. Could moving up to six make sense for the Cowboys?
Using the Fitzgerald-Spielberger NFL Draft Trade Value Chart from OverTheCap.com, we can see what it would cost for the Cowboys to make the jump. The sixth overall pick is currently worth 2,092 points according the value chart. The Cowboys’ 12th overall pick is worth 1,741 and the 20th overall pick is worth 1,482. Doing the simple math, if the Cowboys used 12 and 20 to move up to six, they would have 3,223 points invested in the trade, compared to Cleveland’s 2,092 (a 1,131 point difference).
But what do you know, the Browns 39th overall pick is worth 1,143 points according to their value system. In this scenario, we could see the Cowboys trade the 12th and 20th overall pick for Cleveland’s sixth and 39th overall pick, in this mock trade, the Browns would slightly lose on value by 12 points, but in this draft class that lacks top end talent, and with Berry’s aggressive approach to move back, this is likely a fair deal for both teams.
Trade up with New Orleans
Using the Drafttek trade value chart this time, we will project a trade up with New Orleans. New Orleans owns the 8th overall pick (1,400 points). Dallas could make a smaller move up to land their defender of choice using the 12th overall pick (1,200 points) and the 92nd overall pick (132 points) to move up to eight. This is a slight underpay for the Cowboys, but with this draft not having the talent of typical drafts, this could be enough to get it done.
Trade up with Kansas City
That last one was pretty boring huh? Let’s get crazy again. In this projected trade up to nine, the Cowboys will again use picks 12, 20, and 92 to move up with Kansas City, while receiving the 9th, 40th, 74th, and 148th overall pick. This value is a slight overpay for the Cowboys, but give’s them something they currently do not have, a second-round pick.
Despite the overpay, this is likely the most realistic scenario for both teams. The Chiefs need a lot of help at defensive back, defensive line, wide receiver, and could use a quality offensive lineman. While they will lose out on their second-round pick, and move back in the third round, the ability to own two first-round picks could be enticing for Brett Veach.
Which of these trades would you like the best?
