🚨 DALLAS COWBOYS’ DEFENSE TO GET A MAJOR UPGRADE: Potential Trade Ideas to Push Them Over the Top 👇

Jerry Jones’ Commitment to Fixing the Cowboys’ Defense: More Moves Expected
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has made it clear this offseason: fixing the team’s defense is his top priority. With the 2026 NFL draft only a month away, Jones and the Cowboys’ front office have been busy making moves to improve the defense, but they have yet to make a huge splash. The team has made some solid additions so far, including a trade for EDGE rusher Rashan Gary from the Green Bay Packers, along with the signings of safeties Jalen Thompson and P.J. Locke, cornerback Cobie Durant, and nose tackle Otito Ogbonnia.

These moves fill several defensive holes, especially as the Cowboys transition to the new defensive scheme under Christian Parker, the team’s new defensive coordinator. However, if the Cowboys are truly serious about contending for a Super Bowl in 2026, more aggressive steps need to be taken. Below, we explore three potential trade ideas that could elevate the defense even further, ensuring the Cowboys remain strong on both sides of the ball.

Trade Idea 1: Day 3 Pick for LB Pete Werner

Pete Werner’s Potential Availability in New Orleans
The New Orleans Saints have made some significant changes this offseason, including a head coaching change with Kellen Moore taking over. Werner, who signed a new deal in 2024, has started to surface in trade rumors, especially after Moore’s arrival. As the Cowboys are dangerously thin at linebacker, they could capitalize on this opportunity.

Why It Makes Sense for Dallas
The Cowboys are in need of linebacker depth, and Pete Werner could be a solid addition. His consistency and ability to play a critical role in the Saints’ defense make him an intriguing target for Dallas. With a Day 3 pick available, Dallas could make a low-risk trade for Werner, adding another versatile player to their linebacker corps without giving up significant assets.

This trade would give the Cowboys an experienced linebacker to complement their defense while filling an immediate hole. Werner could immediately contribute, and his presence would allow the Cowboys to feel more comfortable heading into the season, knowing they have a solid linebacker behind their defensive line.

Trade Idea 2: Trade Pick No. 12 for Pick No. 21 + EDGE Nick Herbig

Nick Herbig’s Value in Pittsburgh
Nick Herbig, the young linebacker from the Pittsburgh Steelers, is entering the final year of his deal. With TJ Watt and Alex Highsmith already under contract, there’s a possibility that Herbig could be the odd man out, making him available for a trade. Herbig is an ascending pass rusher and had his best season in 2025, posting 7.5 sacks. He is a prime candidate for the Cowboys to target if they are unable to secure a premier EDGE in the draft.

Why It Makes Sense for Dallas
Dallas has long been searching for another pass rusher to help bolster their defense, and Herbig fits that bill. Trading down from the 12th pick to the 21st pick, in exchange for Herbig, would allow the Steelers to move up in the draft and secure a player they want. In return, the Cowboys would get an EDGE rusher who can immediately contribute to their defense, providing much-needed pressure on opposing quarterbacks.

By acquiring Herbig, the Cowboys would be able to land a proven pass rusher without giving up high draft capital, ensuring they remain competitive on defense. Herbig’s potential to develop further under the guidance of the Cowboys’ coaching staff makes him an attractive option for the team.

Trade Idea 3: Round 3 Pick for Jordyn Brooks + Late-Round Pick

Jordyn Brooks’ Potential Availability in Miami
Jordyn Brooks, the standout linebacker from the Miami Dolphins, could be another potential trade target for the Cowboys. While Miami has been in rebuild mode following some key player departures, including the release of Tua Tagovailoa and Tyreek Hill, they have shown no interest in moving Brooks. However, as the Dolphins continue to reshape their roster, there’s always a chance that a deal could happen if the price is right.

Why It Makes Sense for Dallas
Brooks had a monster 2025 season, recording 183 tackles and 13 tackles for loss, establishing himself as one of the premier linebackers in the league. For the Cowboys, acquiring Brooks would be a major boost to their defense. Sending a third-round pick to the Dolphins for Brooks, along with a sixth or seventh-round pick in return, would be a fair trade that gives Dallas a linebacker capable of immediately impacting their defense.

Brooks, a Texas native, would fit in well with the Cowboys’ defense and could become a key player for years to come. With the linebacker position being an area of concern, adding someone of Brooks’ caliber would give Dallas a much-needed presence in the middle of the field.

The Bigger Picture: The Cowboys’ Path to Contention

With these three potential trade ideas, the Cowboys are in a position to improve their defense heading into the 2026 season. The moves they’ve made so far — including the addition of Rashan Gary and several other key defensive signings — have already upgraded their defense. However, if they want to contend for a Super Bowl, the Cowboys will need to continue to address their weaknesses.

Each of the proposed trades — whether acquiring Pete Werner, Nick Herbig, or Jordyn Brooks — would fill an immediate need on defense, providing both depth and the ability to compete at a higher level. With one month to go until the draft, Jerry Jones and the front office must act quickly to capitalize on these opportunities and finalize moves that could help propel the team to the next level.

The NFL Draft: A Crucial Moment for the Cowboys
The 2026 NFL Draft represents a critical moment for the Cowboys, and adding more talent to the defense will be key for their success. By making smart trades and bolstering their defense further, the Cowboys can ensure that they are ready to contend for a championship in the coming season. With the draft fast approaching, the team must continue to be aggressive and strategic to ensure they are putting together a roster capable of competing at the highest level.