Widely pegged as a team that would create fireworks this weekend, the Dallas Cowboys created their own luck in the 2026 NFL Draft. When you blend the Cowboys' process and execution, it was one of their best drafts in years.
Having said that, the roster still has room for improvement. It's going to take multiple years to turn the defense into a top-10 unit, but the Cowboys intend to contend in 2026. The odds of that happening are slim if they don't add (another) veteran linebacker to wear the green dot for Christian Parker.
Ever searching for ways to improve this offseason, Stephen Jones made a telling admission about their linebacker plans in Saturday's post-draft presser (h/t Nick Harris, the Star-Telegram).
Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones did not rule out dipping back into the trade market to address linebacker depth:
— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisFWST) April 25, 2026
"Our eyes are wide open on how to improve."
Stephen Jones made it sound like the Dallas Cowboys aren't done trading
That follows a telling remark from Brian Schottenheimer's hit on NFL Network from earlier in the day. Here's what Schottenheimer said when asked if free agency and the draft addressed the Cowboys' needs on defense:
"Without a doubt. I feel great looking at what we've done with the Joneses and Will McClay. We're never done. We're always looking for other opportunities."
This sounds like a team that still wants another linebacker, does it not? It doesn’t feel like Stephen Jones’ usual “we’re always looking to get better” boilerplate. And Schottenheimer is generally upfront about whether the Cowboys are in the market to strengthen an area of the team.
The linebacker room is in an OK spot following the draft. Trading for Dee Winters gives Dallas a proven veteran, even if he's not a world-beater, while third-round pick Jaishawn Barham posted a 90.4 PFF run-defense grade in his final season at Michigan.
The Cowboys plan to start Barham at off-ball linebacker, but he has the versatility to line up on the edge and rush the passer. Using him exclusively off-ball wouldn’t maximize his talent.
We'll say it until we're blue in the face, but Jordyn Brooks makes so much sense for this team.
Not only are the Dolphins dragging their feet with an extension, but they drafted two linebackers this weekend, including Texas Tech star Jacob Rodriguez, whom many regard as the No. 2 LB in the class.
If Brooks is now viewed as expendable in Miami, the Cowboys should already be on the phone. On the heels of a great draft, trading for Brooks would make Dallas a legitimate contender.
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