Cowboys, 49ers Agree To Dee Winters Trade During Draft

Originally posted on The Spun | By Chris Rosvoglou | Last updated Apr 24, 2026 7:54 PM ET

The Dallas Cowboys just keep on adding firepower to their defense.

During the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft, the Cowboys acquired linebacker Dee Winters from the San Francisco 49ers. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the 49ers are acquiring the No. 152 overall pick in this deal.

Winters, 25, has been with the 49ers since 2023. The former TCU star had 101 tackles, five pass breakups and an interception this past season.

Even though Winters has proven himself as a starter, he became expendable once the 49ers brought up Dre Greenlaw on a one-year deal. Greenlaw thrived during his initial stint in the Bay Area, racking up 455 tackles, three interceptions and two forced fumbles.

Dec 22, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; San Francisco 49ers linebacker Dee Winters (53) carries the ball after an interception for a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts in the fourth quarter of the game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images© Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images.

The Cowboys have changed their outlook on defense.

During the first round of the NFL Draft, the Cowboys selected Ohio State safety Caleb Downs with the No. 11 overall pick. He should make an immediate impact for Brian Schottenheimer's defense.

"I think it's just being able to make plays in all facets of the game," Downs said. "Whether that's near the line of scrimmage or in the deep part of the field, I feel like I could do it all and it'll be a great relationship to be able to do that with the Cowboys."

The Cowboys also selected UCF defensive end Malachi Lawrence with the No. 23 pick. He had 28 tackles for loss and 20 sacks during his college career.

It's safe to say Jerry Jones prioritized fixing the defense.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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