Dee Winters gives the Cowboys needed linebacker speed and production, but Dallas may still need one more veteran voice.
The Dallas Cowboys made several loud moves around the 2026 NFL Draft, but one of their most important additions may have slipped under the radar.
In San Francisco, Dee Winters played next to Fred Warner, one of the NFL’s best defensive quarterbacks. That allowed him to play fast, attack space and focus on making tackles.
In Dallas, he could be asked to do more, possibly even handling the green-dot communication role.
That’s a big ask for a 25-year-old linebacker in a new system and a contract year.
Still, the upside is obvious. Winters brings sideline-to-sideline speed, improving instincts and a physical style Dallas badly needed in its linebacker room.
Pair him with DeMarvion Overshown, Shamar James and rookie Jaishawn Barham and the Cowboys suddenly have more youth and athleticism at the position.
But they’re also light on proven leadership.
That’s why a veteran such as Bobby Wagner would still make sense if Dallas wants to stabilize the group. Wagner may be 36, but his experience, intelligence and communication skills could help everyone around him.
Winters gives the Cowboys a real answer at linebacker. One more veteran addition could turn a question mark into a strength.
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