Picked by Cowboys
The Cowboys selected Downs in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, 11th overall.
The Cowboys moved up from the 12th pick to take Downs from what was previously Miami's draft slot. Downs (6-feet, 206 pounds) is a blue-chip prospect who might have gone even higher if not for vague long-term concerns over his meniscus health, so there are basically no critics of Downs as a safety. Downs dominated at both Ohio State and Alabama, and drafting Downs might be giving Jerry Jones flashbacks of drafting Roy Williams out of Oklahoma, which was once a point of pride for the Cowboys. Downs will be a three-down player for Dallas right away.
More Dallas Cowboys Fantasy Football News
George Pickens
Signs franchise tag
Pickens has officially signed his franchise tag with the Cowboys, Todd Archer of ESPN.com reports.
Marquez Valdes-Scantling
Inks one-year deal with Dallas
The Cowboys signed Valdes-Scantling to a one-year contract Monday, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.
Javonte Williams
Backfield untouched by NFL Draft
The Cowboys did not add to the running back position in the 2026 NFL Draft, leaving Williams (shoulder) positioned to reprise a bell-cow role, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports.
Anthony Smith
Links up with Cowboys
The Cowboys selected Smith in the seventh round of the 2026 NFL Draft, 218th overall.
Jaishawn Barham
Heading to Dallas
The Cowboys selected Barham in the third round of the 2026 NFL Draft, 92nd overall.
Malachi Lawrence
Picked by Cowboys
The Cowboys selected Lawrence in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft, 23rd overall.
George Pickens
Signing franchise tag
Pickens will sign his franchise tag in the coming days, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.
George Pickens
Team optimistic he'll sign tag
The Cowboys aren't sure if Pickens will participate in the offseason program after they ended negotiations on a long-term contract, but the team is optimistic he'll sign his franchise tag before Week 1, Jon Machota of The Athletic reports.
George Pickens
Not negotiating long-term deal
Cowboys COO Stephen Jones said Wednesday that Pickens will play out 2026 under the franchise tag, with no negotiations toward a long-term deal, Jonathan Jones of CBSSports.com reports.
Brandon Aubrey
Becomes highest-paid kicker
Aubrey agreed to terms Monday on a four-year, $28 million contract extension with the Cowboys that includes $20 million guaranteed, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.