The Dallas Cowboys have landed linebacker Dee Winters from the San Francisco 49ers, sending the No. 152 overall pick in the fifth round of the NFL draft to their NFC rivals, sources confirmed.
The trade adds depth to a Dallas defense looking to bolster its linebacker corps. Winters, who entered the league as a seventh-round selection in 2023, appeared in limited action during his rookie season with San Francisco.
Compensation involves a fifth-round selection, a mid-round asset that gives the 49ers additional capital in the upcoming draft. Specific terms beyond the pick swap were not disclosed.
For the Cowboys, the move signals an intent to strengthen the second level of their defense through a low-cost acquisition. Winters will have an opportunity to compete for a rotational role in Dan Quinn's scheme.
Some analysts question whether Winters can translate his college production at TCU to consistent NFL play. His professional sample size remains small, and the Cowboys are betting on development upside.