The Dallas Cowboys have acquired linebacker Dee Winters from the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for the 152nd overall pick in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, the team announced on Friday. The transaction was confirmed by both organizations as part of ongoing roster adjustments ahead of the draft weekend.
Winters, a sixth-round selection by the 49ers in the 2023 NFL Draft, emerged as a key contributor on defense during his tenure in San Francisco. After playing rotationally as a rookie, he earned a starting role in his second season and maintained that status through his third year with the team.
In 2025, Winters started all 17 games for the 49ers and led the squad with a career-high 101 tackles. His performance also included five passes defensed and his first career interception, which he returned 74 yards for a touchdown. These statistics marked a significant step in his development as an off-ball linebacker capable of contributing in both run support and coverage.
The trade aligns with the Cowboys’ strategy of adding defensive depth following their first-round selections on Thursday. Dallas used the opening round to choose safety Caleb Downs with the 11th overall pick and pass rusher Malachi Lawrence later in the first round. With no selection until the third round on Friday, the team utilized the interim period to address a need at linebacker while other franchises remained on the clock.
Cowboys officials emphasized that Winters brings versatility and experience to a linebacker group looking to build on recent investments. His ability to play multiple roles in the front seven — including blitzing, covering tight ends, and setting the edge against the run — was cited as a factor in the team’s evaluation process.
For the 49ers, the trade represents a continuation of their approach to managing roster turnover and draft capital. Having selected Winters in 2023, San Francisco now moves forward with the additional fifth-round pick, which they can use to address other positional needs in the 2026 draft.
The exchange highlights the ongoing dialogue between the two NFC West and NFC East rivals, who have engaged in multiple player transactions in recent years. While neither team disclosed specific motivations beyond standard roster management, the deal underscores the value placed on developing linebackers with starting experience in the current NFL landscape.
As the 2026 NFL Draft progresses, Winters will join a Cowboys defense aiming to improve upon its performance from the previous season. His addition provides Dallas with an option who has already demonstrated the ability to handle a full workload over a 17-game schedule, a trait that could prove valuable as the team navigates the challenges of a competitive NFC.
The transaction is now official, and Winters is expected to report to the Cowboys’ facility in Frisco, Texas, to begin integrating into the team’s offseason program. Further details regarding his contract status and role within the defensive scheme will be clarified as the organization moves through minicamp and training camp preparations.
For ongoing updates on the Cowboys’ roster moves and draft strategy, fans are encouraged to follow official team channels. Share your thoughts on the acquisition in the comments below, and stay tuned for more coverage as the 2026 NFL Draft unfolds.
