Fred Warner, Dallas Cowboys
Getty
Fred Warner #54 of the San Francisco 49ers reacts against the New Orleans Saints during the first half in the game at Caesars Superdome on September 14, 2025 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Sean Gardner/Getty Images)
Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys are being surrounded by rumors already and NFL free agency hasn’t even begun.
Whether it be free agency rumors or blockbuster trade suggestions, it seems like the Cowboys have a busy offseason ahead of them. That expectation has intensified with Jones making it clear that he plans to spend money in pursuit of Super Bowl contention.
“I would bet that we’ll be spending more money in free agency than we have,” Jones said bluntly.
Pursuing talent in NFL free agency is certainly one route to improvement for Dallas. However, there are some big names who seem to be coming available on the trade market. A new name has been added to that list.
San Francisco 49ers star linebacker Fred Warner might be one of the emerging trade candidates heading into the 2026 offseason.
Dallas Cowboys Linked to Blockbuster Trade for Fred Warner
Art Stapleton of NorthJersey.com has started the Warner rumors. He suggested that the 49ers could be open to moving Warner this offseason.
“I don’t know if San Francisco will trade Warner. Heard they might consider it if somehow they could get Dre Greenlaw back in the fold. I’m not playing games like some are suggesting on here,” Stapleton said.
If San Francisco does make Warner available, the Cowboys would make sense as a potential landing spot.
The Sporting News’ Dharya Sharma named Dallas as one of the teams to watch in a potential Warner trade this offseason. It would make sense, as the Cowboys do have a need at the inside linebacker position.
“Dallas needs to find an upgrade over Kenneth Murray at off-ball linebacker, and adding Warner would be an electric move that elevates the Cowboys’ defense,” Sharma wrote. “However, it’s hard to imagine John Lynch trading Warner to the Cowboys, an arch-rival of the 49ers.”
What Would Fred Warner Bring to the Cowboys’ Defense?
Warner is one of the best linebackers in the NFL. He hasn’t received the amount of national media attention that he deserves, but acquiring him would instantly upgrade the Dallas defense.
During the 2025 NFL season, Warner played in six games before going down with a severe fractured and dislocated ankle injury. He recorded 51 tackles, two forced fumbles, a fumble recovery, and three defended passes in those appearances.
In 2024, he played in all 17 regular season games. He totaled 131 tackles, one sack, four forced fumbles, two interceptions, a defensive touchdown, and seven defended passes.
There are few linebackers in the NFL capable of impacting a game like Warner can. If the Cowboys could pull off a trade for him, they would be taking a huge step towards fixing the defensive issues that were so obvious last season.