Cowboys Bolster Defense by Trading for Dee Winters from 49ers
The Dallas Cowboys entered the 2026 NFL Draft with critical defensive needs, having allowed 30.1 points per game in the previous season, marking the highest in the league and the second-highest in franchise history. Despite improvements at safety and edge rusher, the middle linebacker position remained a glaring gap after Kenneth Murray's departure. On Friday night, the Cowboys filled this void by trading a fifth-round pick (No. 152 overall) to the San Francisco 49ers for linebacker Dee Winters, who was selected in the 2023 sixth round out of TCU. Winters, who previously started 27 games for the 49ers over the last two seasons—including all 17 games in 2025—recorded career-highs last season with 101 tackles, one interception (a pick-six against Philip Rivers), five passes defensed, and eight tackles for loss. Trade Grades: Dallas Cowboys: B+ The Cowboys significantly upgraded their middle linebacker position, desperately needing improvement after a disappointing 2025 season. Winters’ 101 tackles led the 49ers, and his reliable play and discipline bring stability to the defense. This trade is low-risk, with a cap hit of just $3.71 million for a player entering the final year of his rookie contract. Plus, local fans get to see a TCU legend return home. Winters earned 2022 College Football Playoff Fiesta Bowl semifinal MVP honors for his performance against Michigan. San Francisco 49ers: B+ The 49ers also benefit from this deal, continuing to refine their roster while receiving a valuable pick.
Source: CBS Sports - 2026-04-25