Austin Konenski
The Dallas Cowboys need help on the defensive side of the ball. During the 2025-26 NFL season, Dallas allowed 30.1 points per game, which ranked last in the NFL. It was a dreadful defensive season for the Cowboys and team is looking for upgrades. In fact, there could be a blockbuster trade coming for Dallas.
On The McShay Show, Todd McShay talked about the 2026 NFL Draft, and provided a few nuggets on what could happen in the first five picks. One of those nuggets included the possibility of a blockbuster trade for the Cowboys in the 2026 NFL Draft.
“I’ve gotten two different very interesting nuggets,” McShay said. “I’m gonna tell you what I’ve heard from two different people who normally have very good information…No. 3 [Arizona Cardinals]…one source is saying ‘I know [Adam Schefter] says the clock starts on Jeremiyah Love at No. 5… there’s someone in that building that’s pushing really, really hard for Jeremiyah Love’…Then I’ve got another person like ‘trading out of No. 3 remains one of the priorities’… There’s a lot of buzz about [the Dallas Cowboys]…noise about Dallas trading up from No. 12 to No. 3 to get [David Bailey].”
This would be a massive move for Dallas, which needs an EDGE to rush the quarterback. The Cowboys ranked 24th in defensive sacks during the 2025-26 NFL season, and David Bailey would be an excellent selection. However, it would require a big package for the Cowboys to acquire the third pick in the 2026 NFL Draft
Potential trade packages between Dallas Cowboys, Arizona Cardinals
If the Cowboys are going to trade up to third in the 2026 NFL Draft, it will take a big package to get it done. The Arizona Cardinals seem to be prioritizing a trade out of the third pick, so there won’t be a lack of suitors. Therefore, Dallas might have to overpay to make it happen.
The Cowboys should offer the 12th pick and 92nd pick for the third pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. It would allow Arizona to trade down nine spots while picking up a third-round selection in the process. If needed, Dallas could also include another low pick, such as a 2027 sixth or seventh-round selection.
If not, the Cowboys should be willing to offer more if they believe in Bailey as an NFL prospect. Dallas could move the 12th pick, 92nd pick, and 177th pick for the third pick. This would give Arizona more picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, allowing the organization to fill its needs immediately.
Bailey, an EDGE from the Texas Tech Red Raiders, visited the Cowboys and the Kansas City Chiefs this week, and the Cardinals after the NFL Combine. The 23-year-old pass rusher is almost certainly going in the top 10 picks, and Dallas likely needs to trade up to pick in the NFL Draft.
It will take a big package, but the Cowboys could pull off a blockbuster trade with the Cardinals in the coming weeks.
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