Cowboys were set to trade up for Caleb Downs before Chiefs' move

Yahoo Sports1 min read • Latest: Jul 5, 2026, 2:55 PM

Last updated Jul 5, 2026

Cowboys were set to trade up for Caleb Downs before Chiefs' move
Summary

Dallas Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer confirmed that the team had an agreement to trade up with the Kansas City Chiefs to select defensive back Caleb Downs in the 2026 NFL draft. However, Kansas City moved up the draft board to secure defensive back Mansoor Delane, which caused the Cowboys' plans to change. The trade would have involved the Cowboys giving up picks to get the No. 9 selection. The Cowboys aimed to secure talent that fits their culture, with Downs as a top target. The trade dynamics would have shifted if delayed, affecting Dallas's subsequent picks.

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Market Watch
  • Dallas had a deal in place to move up for Caleb Downs.
  • The Chiefs traded up to select Mansoor Delane instead.
  • The trade considerations involved multiple first-round picks.
  • Dallas aimed to target talent fitting their culture.
  • Schottenheimer discussed the trade on the Twins Take podcast.
Latest Updates
  • 2:55 PMYahoo SportsCowboys-Chiefs trade? How 2026 draft would've looked if KC didn't switch up
What they're saying
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The Cowboys had an agreement in place with Kansas City to move up to No. 9 in order to select Caleb Downs.

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