Dallas Cowboys could make dramatic 2026 NFL draft move, Jerry Jones hints

The Dallas Cowboys are kicking off the NFL offseason with a search for a new defensive coordinator, following the firing of Matt Eberflus earlier in the week.

Dallas will sort through a handful of candidates before deciding who will lead the team's defensive overhaul. Whether the overhaul comes through free agency or the NFL Draft remains to be seen, but owner Jerry Jones is leaving all options on the table.

During the team's exit press conference, Jones stated there's a possibility the Cowboys "do some trading" with their two first-round picks.

MORE: 3 dream Dallas Cowboys prospects for 2026 NFL Draft

By having a draft arsenal, the option is there for the Cowboys to package their picks to make a leap up in the draft order, or to part ways with a pick during free agency to land a big-name player.

Jerry Jones says there's a possibility they "do some trading" with their two 2026 first-round picks, re: possible activity in free agency.

Cites the George Pickens offseason trade as an example for this year's outlook. #Cowboys pic.twitter.com/FsbBGigY3H
— Patrik [No C] Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) January 7, 2026

Of course, if the team is open to trading away a pick before the draft, an intriguing name to watch would be Las Vegas Raiders star pass rusher Maxx Crosby, whose relationship with the team appeared to sour at the end of the season following a disagreement over his health status.

The team is reportedly open to trading Crosby and will entertain offers, so we'll have to see if Jerry Jones steps up to the plate and takes a swing to make an immediate upgrade at one of the team's biggest areas of need.

MORE: Jerry Jones hints at concern as $92M defender continues to battle injuries

Currently, the Cowboys hold the No. 12 overall pick and the No. 20 overall pick, which was acquired by trading away Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers, in the first round.

The 2026 NFL Draft will be held in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, from Thursday, April 23, through Saturday, April 25.

A sign sits beside the 2026 NFL Draft Countdown Clock outside of Acrisure Stadium | Ethan Morrison / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

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