From San Francisco to Dallas: What Can the Cowboys New 25-Year-Old Linebacker Bring In 2026?
The Dallas Cowboys have decided to trade their 2026 NFL Draft fifth-round pick to the San Francisco 49ers to get Dee Winters to play for the team. The 25-year-old linebacker boasts 155 total tackles, almost 12 stuffs, and a 74-yard interception return over the course of his career. He can bring his skills as a backup or in specific defense packages that defensive coordinator Christian Parker and other coaches may need to implement. By using their future pick to acquire him, the Cowboys fulfilled the backup requirement.
They still must fully sign the deal to bring the former 49ers linebacker onto the team, but once the ink is on paper, he can begin to officially play. This move was able to reduce the risk of losing someone for the crucial position if any issues should arise with the first choice they went with to cover that area. This is a smart decision that could elevate the grade Jerry and Stephen Jones should receive for their 2026 NFL Draft choices to at least an A if not an A+. While there were other trading choices and players they could’ve gone with in order to bolster their defense, Winters is a helpful force in that regard. They have spent approximately 97.7% of their salary cap, or about $34,209,000, leaving 2.3% or about $8,193,000 to do with as the management sees fit. This provides some small wiggle room for any last-minute complications or changes that need to be made.
Winters’ contract is for close to a $3.67 million payday, just a mere 1.22% of the team’s overall allotted budget. This is a relatively cheap choice by NFL team standards; the Cowboys’ leadership made an economical and carefully weighed decision that deserves kudos, as well as showcases their shrewd knowledge. By signing the former 49ers linebacker, the team gains even more options for the position and possibly a special player. For now, they don’t have to worry about choosing any people for the draft, which will give them time to prepare for training camp.
