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Cowboys Preparing to Trade Up in 2026 NFL Draft

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Friday, April 3rd 2026 at 17:50 GMT by Sporting News
      Locale: UNITED STATES

Frisco, TX - April 3rd, 2026 - The Dallas Cowboys are signaling a willingness to be extremely active in the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft, and early rumblings suggest they are prepared to make a significant investment - potentially a franchise-altering one. Reports are surfacing that the Cowboys are seriously exploring the possibility of trading up from their current position at pick No. 28 to secure one of the draft's most coveted prospects, either at quarterback or offensive tackle.

ESPN analyst Todd McShay ignited the speculation during a recent appearance on NFL Live, stating the Cowboys are "preparing to move up" and will have to "give up a considerable amount of draft capital" to do so. This isn't simply a probing of the market; sources close to the team indicate a genuine strategy shift towards aggressively pursuing a specific target. The Cowboys, after years of solid but ultimately unsuccessful playoff runs, appear to believe a premium player is the missing piece.

The Quarterback Conundrum and Offensive Line Imperative

The Cowboys' current quarterback situation, while not dire, lacks the consistent, elite-level performance needed to consistently compete for - and win - a Super Bowl. Dak Prescott, while a reliable player, is entering the twilight of his career and there's increasing pressure to identify his successor. This explains the prevalent belief that a quarterback is the primary focus if the Cowboys decide to trade up. Names like Drake Maye (North Carolina), Caleb Williams (USC), and Jayden Daniels (LSU) are at the top of most draft boards, and all are projected to be available within the top 10 picks.

However, the situation isn't solely about finding a new signal caller. The offensive line, while generally considered a strength, is showing cracks. Veteran Tyron Smith's age and injury history are becoming increasing concerns, and the need to fortify the protection for either Prescott or a rookie quarterback is paramount. This explains McShay's suggestion that an offensive tackle could also be the target. Joe Alt (Notre Dame) and Olu Fashanu (Penn State) are widely regarded as the best tackles in the class and are expected to be off the board quickly. The Cowboys, notorious for their emphasis on strong offensive lines, might view a top-tier tackle as an equally valuable investment.

The Price of Admission: What Will it Cost Dallas?

Trading up in the NFL draft isn't cheap. Moving from pick No. 28 into the top 10 - or even the top 5 - would require a hefty package of draft picks. Analysts predict the Cowboys will likely need to offer their first-round pick in 2026, plus selections in the second, third, and potentially even the fourth round to entice a team to move down. Some speculate that a team desperate for future draft capital might even demand a player in addition to the picks.

This would represent a significant depletion of the Cowboys' draft assets for years to come. It's a bold move, and one that carries considerable risk. However, the Cowboys' ownership and front office seem to be operating under the belief that a potential reward - a franchise quarterback or a generational offensive tackle - is worth the gamble.

Historical Precedent and the Risk Factor

Trading up dramatically in the NFL Draft is a notoriously risky proposition. History is littered with examples of teams sacrificing future draft capital for prospects who ultimately fail to live up to the hype. The Cowboys themselves have experienced this disappointment in the past. However, successful trades for franchise-altering players, such as the 49ers' move for Trent Dilfer or the Kansas City Chiefs' acquisition of Patrick Mahomes, demonstrate the potential payoff.

The key for the Cowboys will be meticulous scouting and a thorough assessment of the prospects' character, work ethic, and potential for growth. They need to be absolutely certain that the player they select is worth the significant investment of draft capital. A miscalculation could set the franchise back for years.

What's Next for the Cowboys?

The coming weeks will be crucial as the Cowboys continue to evaluate prospects, assess trade possibilities, and gauge the market. The NFL Combine and pro days will provide valuable opportunities to gather additional information. The team is also reportedly engaging in discussions with several teams who might be willing to trade down. The 2026 NFL Draft is shaping up to be a defining moment for the Dallas Cowboys, and fans are eagerly awaiting to see what moves their team will make.