The Dallas Cowboys are roughly three weeks away from the 2026 NFL Draft and hold two first-round picks, including the 12th and 20th selections. Following a disappointing free agency, the team has many draft needs and will look to bolster the defense this month. Highlighting one of the biggest priorities is adding a perennial pass rusher after trading Micah Parsons in late August.
Rashan Gary has failed to record more than 10 sacks in a single regular season, with questions about durability, conditioning, and effort after failing to record a sack in the past ten games of 2025. Meanwhile, Jadeveon Clowney remains unsigned despite leading the team in sacks. Additionally, concerns remain about whether Donovan Ezeiruaku can translate from a hands-in-the-dirt defensive end to a stand-up linebacker while recovering from hip surgery.
Because of this, the Cowboys may target an EDGE rusher with the 12th overall selection. However, the top three players may not be available when they are on the clock, making a potential trade-up scenario.
Dallas Cowboys rumored to target Micah Parsons’ replacement in shocking trade-up scenario
Texas Tech Red Raiders, Todd McShay
Oct 18, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders linebacker David Bailey (31) reacts as he walks off the field following the game against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Mountain America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
According to Todd McShay of The McShay Show, there is buzz that Dallas could trade up to the third overall pick with Arizona to select David Bailey. McShay clarified that the two teams are not currently in active conversations about a potential trade. However, Arizona is open to potentially trading back.
“Trading out of No. 3 remains one of the priorities, or one of the things that could absolutely happen with Arizona,” McShay said. “There’s a lot of buzz about Dallas, and what comes to the noise, with Dallas trading up from 12 to three to get Bailey, right?
“Keep it in state. Texas Tech, pass rusher. Most importantly, they’ve put all their efforts into rebuilding that defense over the last year.”
The Texas Tech Red Raider is considered one of the top, if not the best, pass rushers in the upcoming draft. Bailey is coming off a breakout senior season, leading the FBS with 73 pressures and 14.5 sacks while earning unanimous All-American honors in his lone season at Texas Tech.
Arizona has traded the No. 3 pick before, but is it feasible for Dallas?
New Orleans Saints David Bailey
Feb 26, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Texas Tech defensive lineman David Bailey (DL31) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
During the 2023 NFL Draft, the Arizona Cardinals traded the 3rd and the 105th overall picks to the Houston Texans in exchange for the 12th and 33rd picks in 2023, along with a first-round and third-round pick in the 2024 draft.
The issue for the Dallas Cowboys is that trading up would likely require coughing up both first-round picks, and they do not have a second-round pick; their next selection is the 92nd overall pick. This would force the Cowboys to wait until after the third round to address other team needs, including off-ball linebacker, cornerback, defensive line, and safety.
Cowboys fans react to the rumored trade buzz
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Sep 22, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys fans react during the second half against the Baltimore Ravens at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Dallas better be getting a 2nd back if they are trading both 1s they need LB and another corner at least
— ⛩️Josh hurt⛩️ (@Josh_hurt82) April 3, 2026
If this was true we wouldn’t know
— Dnice (@Dnice4rm42) April 4, 2026
Don’t give up two first round picks
— James (@MrBlue1701) April 4, 2026
This would be moronic. Keep the picks or trade down.
— Zach Stout (@ZacharyStout22) April 4, 2026
Bad idea
— Kevin Bumpus ✝️🇺🇸🥁 (@KevinBumpu98287) April 4, 2026
Absolutely not
— Hunterbiggs11 (@hunterbiggs07) April 3, 2026
Would be a sensational add for our defense.
— Dallas Cowboys Universe (@DCU2026) April 3, 2026
And with the amount of holes in this team. They’re not one player away IMO
— Adam D’Souza (@adamtx816) April 3, 2026
They aren’t…they know they are more than one guy away. While I think they wanna move up, don’t think it’s for Bailey either
— MT (@recruittheboot) April 3, 2026