Home / Sports / Cowboys Could Trade Down in 2026 NFL Draft
Cowboys Could Trade Down in 2026 NFL Draft
5 Apr
Summary
- Cowboys might trade down from the No. 12 pick in the 2026 draft.
- Lions are reportedly motivated to trade up from No. 17 for an offensive tackle.
- A trade would likely involve Detroit's second-round pick and potentially more.
The Dallas Cowboys may explore trading down from their No. 12 selection in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft. While typically focused on acquiring top talent or trading up, a trade-back remains a possibility if the Cowboys do not identify a player they strongly desire at their current position. This scenario could see Dallas swapping picks with the Detroit Lions, who are reportedly eager to move up from the No. 17 overall spot.
Detroit's motivation stems from a pressing need for an offensive tackle, especially after releasing Taylor Decker earlier this offseason. With a perceived scarcity of elite offensive tackles in this draft class, the Lions are expected to be aggressive in their pursuit. According to one personnel executive, Detroit might be willing to trade up to secure a 'surefire rookie starter' at the position.
A potential trade would involve the Lions sending their second-round pick to Dallas to compensate for the difference in draft value between picks No. 12 and No. 17. While the exact terms could vary, this deal presents a favorable outcome for the Cowboys, allowing them to improve their draft position in later rounds while only sliding back five spots in the first round.
