Dallas Cowboys Open to All Trade Scenarios Ahead of NFL Draft with Two First-Round Picks

The Dallas Cowboys enter the NFL Draft with significant trade leverage, holding two first-round selections: the No. 12 and No. 20 overall picks. This positions the team as a prime candidate for trade discussions, whether they aim to move up for a top-tier defender or trade down to acquire additional assets.

Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones confirmed on Wednesday that the team has already received multiple calls from other franchises exploring potential trades. "We look at both [trading up or trading down]," Jones stated, via K.D. Drummond of USA Today. "There’s every type of trade possible. Players on other rosters, draft picks, all of that is in play."

Executive vice president Stephen Jones noted that no concrete deals are imminent, which is typical at this stage of the draft process. However, the Cowboys' draft room is expected to buzz with activity as Thursday night—when the No. 12 overall pick is selected—approaches. "You could imagine making a call right now and making a trade. Picks or players," Jerry Jones added. "That hasn’t usually been our experience. . . . [But] the nature of having extra picks in that first round gives more credence to some options. And one that would be up or down."

Jerry Jones emphasized the advantage of receiving trade inquiries over initiating them, stating, "Receiving calls is better than making calls because the results are better."

The Cowboys' defensive unit allowed a franchise-record 511 points last season, highlighting the need for impactful additions. With their two first-round picks, the team has the flexibility to address this deficiency through trades, whether by securing a top defender or leveraging their picks for other valuable assets.