Should the Cowboys Trade Up?

The Dallas Cowboys enter the 2026 NFL Draft holding the No. 12 pick, and there’s a real sense of uncertainty about how the board could fall. There’s growing concern that the defensive player they want may not be there when they’re on the clock, which has sparked rumors about Dallas potentially being aggressive and moving up.

One trade that’s gained traction involves the Cleveland Browns. The idea is simple: the Cowboys move from No. 12 to No. 6. In return, Cleveland would receive picks No. 12 and No. 20, while Dallas would get No. 6 and No. 39, an early second-round pick.

We have now seen Mel Kiper, Todd McShay, and Dane Bruglar, in their recent mock drafts, all have the Cowboys moving up with Cleveland.

On paper, it’s easy to see why this excites Cowboys fans. You move up, secure a top defensive prospect, and still walk away with a valuable second-round pick to address another need. It feels aggressive. It feels different. And for a team that has talked about “moving differently,” this would back that up.

Should the Cowboys Do It?

From a Cowboys perspective, it makes a lot of sense.

This draft doesn’t appear to be loaded with elite offensive talent at the top. There aren’t as many top-tier quarterbacks, wide receivers, or offensive tackles as we typically see, which means defensive players could come off the board early. That puts Dallas in a tough spot at No. 12, where they could be wiped out.

Trading up guarantees you get your guy.

And beyond just the player, it sends a message. The Cowboys have been criticized for being passive in big moments. This would be the opposite. This would show urgency and intent to improve the roster now.

Personally, this is the kind of move you want to see. If there’s a player you truly believe changes your defense, you go get him.

Would the Browns Actually Do It?

This is where things start to fall apart.

For Cleveland, the value just isn’t as clean. The reason they’d trade back in the first place is likely because they’re targeting a specific player, possibly an offensive tackle like Monroe Freeling, who may still be there later.

But in this deal, they’re not really gaining much flexibility. Yes, they pick up an extra first-round pick at No. 20, but they’re also moving out of the top 10. If they don’t love the players in the backend of the 1st round, then they are moving away from potential elite talent.

And that’s the key, this trade only works if Cleveland sees multiple players in the same tier.

If they don’t, then they’re just moving back for the sake of it. That’s why this feels unlikely. Even their front office has hinted that a move like this may not be something they’re interested in.

So while the trade looks great from a Cowboys perspective, it may not make enough sense for Cleveland to actually pull the trigger.

What Will Happen on Draft Night

Even if this specific trade doesn’t happen, it doesn’t mean Dallas won’t explore moving.

A more realistic option could be a smaller trade, something like moving up a few spots with the Kansas City Chiefs to around pick No. 9. That kind of move would likely cost less and could allow the Cowboys to keep pick No. 20.

But the way this draft is shaping up, there’s another possibility: the Cowboys stay put.

The NFL always leans toward offense, and there’s a good chance more offensive players go in the top 10 than expected. If that happens, defensive talent could fall right into Dallas’ lap at No. 12 without them having to give anything up.

Final Take

As much as the idea of trading up sounds exciting, the most realistic outcome is the Cowboys staying where they are.

They may want to be aggressive, and they might even explore it, but unless the right deal presents itself, Dallas will likely stick and pick.

Now personally? I’d want them to go get their guy.

But if you’re reading how this is going to play out in real life, don’t be surprised when the Cowboys stay patient and let the draft come to them.