TheDallas Cowboys are being linked to a potential trade-up in the 2026 NFL Draft to secure Miami edge rusher Rueben Bain Jr., as noted byNFL Network insider Ian Rapoport. Rapoport noted that Dallas has thoroughly researched this year’s edge prospects and might move into the top 10 if Bain starts to slide.
From The Insiders on @NFLNetwork: @TomPelissero and I tackled several burning questions leading into the NFL Draft in less than two weeks. pic.twitter.com/nPUdeZvl6R
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 10, 2026
Rapoport made his assessment on The Insiders alongside Tom Pelissero, saying he expects the Cowboys to be in the mix for a pass rusher or other top defensive players. ESPN’s Jordan Reid separately reported that Dallas views Bain as an instant-impact game changer.
Bain’s college resume supports the interest. Over three seasons with the Miami Hurricanes, the edge rusher recorded 20.5 sacks, 33.5 tackles for loss and 121 combined tackles. He added four sacks in two playoff games against Texas A&M and Ohio State.
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones
Dec 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones before a game against the Minnesota Vikings at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
The one concern scouts have raised is arm length. Bain measured 30 and seven-eighths inches at the Combine, ranking among the shortest for the position in 25 years. His production, however, was built on leverage, hand usage and burst rather than reach.
Dallas ranked near the bottom of the league in pass rush last season, finishing with 35 sacks. That total was the franchise’s lowest since 2020, when the Cowboys recorded 31.
Cowboys ownerJerry Jones addressed his trade intentions at the league meetings, saying the club would entertain moving up or down based on what the draft board presented and that doing so was, in his words, very doable.
The Cowboys hold picks No. 12 and No. 20 but carry no second-round selection. That capital, combined with their defensive needs, positions them to make an aggressive move. Potential trade partners include the Washington Commanders at No. 7 and the Cincinnati Bengals at No. 10, both of whom could be open to sliding back.
Kansas City Chiefs face a familiar draft-night threat from Dallas Cowboys
Dallas is not alone in its pursuit. TheKansas City Chiefs hosted Bain for a top-30 visit on April 9, and the fit is apparent. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid lost two key defensive ends this offseason.
Kansas City released Mike Danna after six seasons, Charles Omenihu signed with the Washington Commanders in free agency, and Felix Anudike-Uzomah missed the entire 2025 season with a hamstring injury. That leaves George Karlaftis and Ashton Gillotte as the primary edge options heading into 2026.
Kansas City picks ninth overall, a position that looked comfortable before Dallas entered the picture. If Jones trades up to No. 7 or No. 8, the Chiefs lose their shot entirely.
The Tennessee Titans and Arizona Cardinals, both picking ahead of Kansas City, had also met with Bain before the Chiefs’ visit, putting general manager Brett Veach in a position where moving up himself may become necessary.
A strong top-30 visit does not guarantee draft-night availability. If Jones arrives with two first-rounders and a defense ranked near the league’s bottom, Kansas City may find that no amount of pregame optimism offsets the math.