The 2026 NFL Draft will be the first time the Dallas Cowboys have had two first-round picks since 2008. They selected running back Felix Jones and cornerback Mike Jenkins, but this time around, their defense will be emphasized in the first round.
Rebuilding the defense stems largely from the decision to trade Micah Parsons to the Packers. Cowboys fans will always hold a grudge against Jerry Jones for failing to extend him, and they have every right to be furious about how the Dexter Lawrence trade turned out.
Over the weekend, the New York Giants traded Lawrence to the Cincinnati Bengals for a No. 10 draft pick. It's a great trade for New York, and it serves as another painful reminder that Jerry Jones should've gotten a lot more for Parsons.
Dexter Lawrence trade shows the Dallas Cowboys didn't get enough for Micah Parsons
The Cowboys should have more draft capital after trading away an All-Pro in Parsons, who's just entering his prime. Lawrence is a great player, no question. But when a 28-year-old defensive tackle with recent injury concerns and 0.5 sacks last season fetches the value of a No. 10 pick, it becomes clear (again) that Jones left a lot of meat on the bone.
A player of Parsons' caliber absolutely should've fetched the Cowboys a top 10 pick. It certainly helps that the lowly Bengals made New York its best offer -- whereas the Packers are a perennial playoff team -- but regardless, Dallas should've demanded more.
Now equipped with two top-10 picks, the Giants could take Sonny Syles and Caleb Downs, two of the Cowboys' dream targets at No. 12.
Trading Parsons is one thing. Failing to maximize the return is another. Even acknowledging the Quinnen Williams deal, the Cowboys should have at least one, if not two, extra second-round picks from the Parsons blockbuster.
Even with a torn ACL, Parsons is a four-time All-Pro in his prime. Dallas should be loaded with draft capital heading into 2026. Instead, after a disastrous defensive season, they’re short on the very resources they need most.
The Giants, on the other hand, got the No. 10 pick for an aging -- albeit All-Pro caliber -- player who plays a non-premium position.
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