Cowboys acquire Winters from 49ers

The Dallas Cowboys acquired linebacker Dee Winters from the San Francisco 49ers for a 2026 fifth-round pick.

Drafted by the 49ers in the sixth round in 2023 out of TCU, Winters earned a starting role on San Francisco's defense during the 2024 season and started every game in 2025.

The 25-year-old recorded a team-leading 101 tackles and five passes defended in 17 regular-season games last season. Winters' 993 defensive snaps were the second most on San Francisco behind only Deommodore Lenoir.

The Niners will save $3.6 million in salary cap space by trading Winters, according to Spotrac. His rookie contract expires after next season, making him set to become an unrestricted free agent in 2027.

Dallas adds another defender to its roster after making a splash in the draft's first round by selecting safety Caleb Downs at No. 11 overall and pass-rusher Malachi Lawrence at No. 23.