Andrew Buller-Russ
The Dallas Cowboys boast a lot of capital ahead of next week’s 2026 NFL Draft. While the Cowboys have the 12th and 20th overall picks in the first round, they also have a lot of needs, especially on a defense that allowed the NFL’s most points a season ago.
Many draft analysts project the Cowboys to double down on defensive prospects by focusing both of their first-round picks on that side of the ball. Others believe a trade up for one of the draft’s best defensive prospects may be in play.
If the Cowboys do package their first-round picks together to land one top prospect, Dallas may have to get creative filling out the other needs on their roster. That could involve another trade, involving a proven pro rather than more rookies.
Recently, Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated suggested that the Cowboys are a team to watch as the Indianapolis Colts hunt for a trade partner for cornerback Kenny Moore. Both sides recently agreed to seek out a trade this offseason, and that process could deliver results at some point during the upcoming three-day draft event.
Breer believes that Moore may be available for the equivalent of a Day 3 draft pick. If so, the Cowboys could land a former Pro Bowl cornerback at a fraction of the typical cost.
“As for potential landing spots, I think Dallas would be one, with the nickel being an important piece in new coordinator Christian Parker’s defense and the Cowboys having a hole after Jourdan Lewis’s departure to the Jaguars last year. The Vikings are another potential fit. Those teams being in the NFC should also make them likely suitors, assuming Indy would rather not help out a conference rival. Moore, who will turn 31 in August, is in a contract year, so that’ll drive down his value some. But if the price was a Day 3 pick on the higher end, and I had a need like Dallas, I’d probably do it.”
SI’s Albert Breer on Dallas Cowboys trading for Kenny Moore
Cornerback is one of the positions commonly targeted by Cowboys mock drafts. Yet, with this trade, Dallas may not feel as much urgency to address the position at the top of the draft and may feel more comfortable circling back to making secondary upgrades later on in the selection process.
If Moore could really be had for a Day 3 draft pick, then we’d imagine he’d generate tons of interest. After all, teams, especially contenders, can never have too many capable cornerbacks.
Related: Dallas Cowboys Trying To Trade Ahead of Rival Team in 2026 NFL Draft?
