Jerry Jones, the owner of the Dallas Cowboys, could be trading up for a better Round 1 pick. A social media post suggests the franchise is trading up for a pass rusher, further fueling questions about the team’s draft approach.

"🚨🚨#Cowboys are trying trade up in the Draft for a pass rusher," the latest X post by NFL Rumors reads.

Per Todd McShay, an NFL draft expert, the Cowboys could be in a play to move up as high as No.3 overall pick in a potential swap with the Arizona Cardinals, targeting a top edge rusher like Texas Tech's David Bailey.

Interest in David Bailey has surged across the league, with teams like the New York Jets, Arizona Cardinals, Cowboys, Kansas City Chiefs, Tennessee Titans, Cleveland Browns, Chicago Bears, and Las Vegas Raiders all linked to the Texas Tech standout in varying capacities.

Bailey’s demand stems from his projection as a “pro-ready” edge rusher. Throughout his college years, across 46 games, he recorded a total of 163 tackles (105 solo & 58 assists), accumulating 42 tackles for loss and 29 sacks.

The Dallas Cowboys now appear firmly in the mix for David Bailey, viewing him as a potential difference-maker who could elevate their defense and boost their playoff hopes. But to make this happen, a trade-up would be necessary.

Most outlets currently place the player as a top-5 pick for the 2026 NFL draft, and the Cowboys currently hold picks No. 12 and 20 overall.

Several Mocks Project Cowboys Trade With Cardinals

Another mock draft by JP Acosta of CBS Sports also projects the Dallas Cowboys to trade with the Arizona Cardinals.

The Cardinals would acquire the No. 12, No. 20, and No. 114 overall picks from the Cowboys in exchange for the No. 3 and No. 104 picks. 

Per Acosta, Dallas would take Texas Tech edge rusher David Bailey, then as their No. 3 pick. Arizona would end up with Miami Dolphins offensive tackle Francis Mauigoa at No. 12, who has been projected to the Cardinals at No. 3, and Auburn Tigers Edge Keldrick Faulk at No. 20.

ESPN Jordan Reid also projected the Dallas Cowboys could be looking to move up the board for a top defender, naming two other potential picks: Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. or Ohio State safety Caleb Downs.

"Trading up continues to be a possibility, especially if there's a player they have high on their board who backslides a tad," Reid said.

After failed speculation for a high-profile trade for veterans Trey Hendrickson and Maxx Crosby, this could be an effective way to ensure quality for Jerry Jones.

"Safety Caleb Downs (Ohio State) and edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr. (Miami) are believed to be players whom the Cowboys would maneuver for, as Dallas reportedly sees both as instant-impact game changers on defense,” Reid also said.

In a defense-heavy 2026 class, the Dallas Cowboys have strong options at No. 12 and No. 20. But with more defense needs than picks, holding both selections may be the smarter move than trading up, as per reports.

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Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote