Full Breakdown
Dallas Cowboys Acquire Linebacker Dee Winters from San Francisco 49ers
4/25/2026, 11:13:41 AM
Trade Details: Cowboys Secure Dee Winters for Fifth-Round Pick
On April 24, 2026, the Dallas Cowboys traded their 152nd-overall selection (fifth round) to the San Francisco 49ers for linebacker Dee Winters. The move occurred during Day 2 of the NFL Draft, giving Dallas a veteran inside-linebacker before the third round.
Background & Context: Defensive Needs Prompt Aggressive Draft Moves
Dallas entered the draft after surrendering a league-worst 30.1 points per game in 2025, with Kenneth Murray gone and Logan Wilson retired, leaving a middle-linebacker vacancy. San Francisco’s depth—Fred Warner, Dre Greenlaw, Nick Martin, Tatum Bethune—made Winters expendable.
Key Figures & Groups
- Dee Winters – 25-year-old former TCU All-Big 12 linebacker, 2023 sixth-round pick of the 49ers.
- Dallas Cowboys – Exec VP Stephen Jones, head coach Brian Schottenheimer, DC Christian Parker.
- San Francisco 49ers – GM John Lynch, linebackers Fred Warner, Dre Greenlaw.
Data & Statistics
2025: 101 tackles (67 solo), 8 TFL, 5 PD, 1 INT returned 74 yd TD. Career: 155 tackles, 10 PD, 8 TFL in 47 games (27 starts). Contract: final-year rookie deal, $3.71 M cap hit. Draft: Cowboys keep three 4th-round and a 7th-round; 49ers add a 5th-round (152nd overall).
Why It Matters
The trade gives Dallas an immediate starter to pair with DeMarvion Overshown, addressing a glaring middle-linebacker hole without sacrificing higher-round picks. For San Francisco, the fifth-rounder recoups value for a player likely to become a depth option behind Greenlaw and Warner, while freeing $3.6 M in cap space.
Official Statements & Responses
Coach Brian Schottenheimer called Winters a “veteran addition” with “rare speed and athleticism.” Stephen Jones said the move fits the Cowboys’ defensive overhaul. GM John Lynch called the trade a “good opportunity for Dee” and a logical roster move.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts note the trade is low-risk but does not fix all defensive gaps; depth at edge and secondary remains a concern.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Grades differ: CBS Sports and USA Today give Dallas a B+, while USA Today rates the 49ers B-. Future contract terms for Winters are undisclosed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We couldn’t be more thrilled about the addition of Dee Winters,” — Brian Schottenheimer, Head Coach, Dallas Cowboys
- “This is a guy we’ve been watching play for a while. He’s got 17 starts. Rare speed and athleticism, adds a veteran in that room for us which is great.” — Brian Schottenheimer, Head Coach, Dallas Cowboys
- “We just felt like we were in good position at linebacker and Dallas has been interested in him for a long time,” — John Lynch, General Manager, San Francisco 49ers
- “We made that trade today, and that's tough because Dee's a guy who's done a lot for us here,” — John Lynch, General Manager, San Francisco 49ers
What's Next
Dallas will evaluate Winters during training camp and may negotiate a contract extension before free agency. The 49ers plan to use the 152nd pick to select a rookie linebacker or other prospect in the upcoming draft rounds.
