DALLAS COWBOYS CONTEMPLATING BIG MOVES AHEAD OF NFL DRAFT: COULD A TRADE-UP BE IN THE CARDS?

As the 2026 NFL Draft quickly approaches, rumors are swirling about potential moves by the Dallas Cowboys, and one scenario seems to be gaining significant traction. With two first-round picks in hand, the Cowboys could look to get “impatient” and make a bold move to trade up and land a top-five selection. While trade rumors are common this time of year, this one has caught the attention of NFL insiders, and there’s growing speculation about what Jerry Jones and the Cowboys might do on draft night.

COWBOYS LOOKING TO TRADE UP FOR A TOP-TIER DEFENDER

During an exclusive interview with Heavy Sports, ESPN’s Matt Miller discussed the possibility of the Cowboys becoming aggressive and using their two first-round picks—No. 12 and No. 20—to trade up for a top defender. Miller pointed out that with a lack of blue-chip talent in the 2026 draft class, teams picking higher up may be more inclined to trade down, especially if there’s a desire to move away from premium positions.

“Yeah, the Cowboys don’t need free publicity, right? They get enough,” Miller said, before adding, “I do think that we could see them get impatient, especially if there starts to be a move on those top defenders.”

The idea of the Cowboys moving up to No. 3 has been floated as a possibility, and it would depend on whether the Arizona Cardinals or Tennessee Titans are willing to trade down. With both teams in the market to bolster their rosters, it could set the stage for Dallas to use its picks to acquire a player who could make an immediate impact.

Miller speculated that packaging the 12th and 20th overall picks to move into the top five could be a realistic option for the Cowboys. Whether it’s a top-tier pass rusher or a game-changing defensive talent, Dallas could look to make a splash with a high-profile pick.

COWBOYS TARGETING A TOP PASS RUSHER: ARVELL REESE OR DAVID BAILEY?

If the Cowboys were to pull off a trade-up, many insiders believe they would focus on adding a pass rusher. ESPN’s Adam Schefter previously reported that Ohio State’s Arvell Reese could be a top target for Dallas if they make a move into the top five.

“Ohio State edge rusher Arvell Reese — or (David) Bailey, if the Jets take Reese at No. 2 — could slide to No. 5,” Schefter wrote on April 20. “It would suddenly be very tempting for a team such as the Cowboys to potentially trade up for a top-tier pass rusher.”

Reese, who has been a standout edge rusher for the Buckeyes, possesses all the tools to become a dominant force in the NFL. His ability to rush the quarterback and disrupt opposing offenses would be a valuable addition to a Cowboys defense that has shown promise but could always use a game-changing pass rusher. With the Cowboys sitting at No. 12 and No. 20, the possibility of packaging these picks to move up for Reese—or even David Bailey if Reese is off the board—could be a move that solidifies their defense for years to come.

ALTERNATIVE SCENARIO: THE COWBOYS STAY PUT AND ADD OFFENSIVE TALENT

While the idea of trading up to land a top defender is appealing, the Cowboys may decide to stay put and address other needs with their current draft position. Another avenue for Dallas could be selecting an explosive wide receiver, a position that has been a focal point of speculation in recent weeks. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler noted that the Cowboys have been monitoring the trade market, particularly for potential wide receiver prospects, but that they’re comfortable staying at Nos. 12 and 20 if necessary.

According to Fowler, “Dallas is monitoring a trade market that has been quiet so far. The Cowboys are comfortable staying put at Nos. 12 and 20 if need be because they feel they can get impact players at both picks, per a team source.”

One name that has been consistently linked to the Cowboys in recent mock drafts is wide receiver Jordyn Tyson. Tyson, an explosive playmaker who can stretch the field, would be an immediate weapon for quarterback Drake Maye, and could offer the Cowboys an added dimension to their offense. With Michael Gallup and CeeDee Lamb already in the fold, Tyson would be a dynamic addition to an already potent receiving corps, potentially giving the Cowboys one of the most dangerous offenses in the league.

WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR THE COWBOYS’ DRAFT STRATEGY?

The Cowboys are in an intriguing position heading into the draft. They have two first-round picks, which gives them the flexibility to either trade up for a game-changing player or stay at their current spots and add impact talent. If they decide to go after a top pass rusher like Reese or Bailey, it would be a move to bolster a defense that already has a solid foundation but lacks a true star at the edge position.

On the other hand, if the Cowboys decide to target a wide receiver like Jordyn Tyson, they could further solidify their offensive arsenal and give quarterback Drake Maye the weapons he needs to elevate the Cowboys into true Super Bowl contenders.

As draft day approaches, all eyes will be on Jerry Jones and the Cowboys’ front office. Will they make a bold move to trade up and land a top defender? Or will they stay patient, potentially adding another weapon to an already loaded offense? Whatever decision they make, it’s clear that the Cowboys are ready to make waves in the 2026 NFL Draft.