NFL Trade Rumors: Dallas Cowboys could trade $3M linebacker for draft capital before 2026 season

The Dallas Cowboys may still be in the process of reshaping their roster for the 2026 NFL season. The bulk of the major offseason moves are done, but a fresh trade suggestion has placed edge rusher James Houston amidst the chatter.Moe Moton of Bleacher Report recently suggested the Cowboys could trade Houston away for future draft capital. Dallas could land an early Day 3 pick and open up a spot on a growing defensive depth chart. There are no particular teams that have surfaced as serious suitors, but Houston’s profile could appeal to franchises looking for pass-rush help heading into training camp. Edge depth is a premium throughout the league, particularly for contenders trying to supplement their rotational pressure packages without a big financial investment.Limited opportunities haven’t stopped Houston from producing. He could be a low-risk, upside addition for teams that don’t have proven depth behind their starting edge rushers. His age and experience in a part-time role could make him a good fit for teams in search of cheap defensive help.Dallas, meanwhile, has significantly strengthened its edge-rushing group. The additions of Rashan Gary and first-round pick Malachi Lawrence have altered the depth chart. Combined with Donovan Ezeiruaku and Sam Williams returning to the mix, Houston could find himself fighting for snaps throughout the season.Moton believes Dallas should consider turning a potential roster surplus into future assets."This offseason, Dallas acquired Rashan Gary from the Packers and drafted Malachi Lawrence in the first round. With those two joining Donovan Ezeiruaku and Sam Williams, who signed a new one-year deal, the Cowboys could look to swap out a veteran edge-rusher for draft capital," Moton wrote.He added: "As a designated pass-rusher, James Houston recorded 5.5 sacks and 19 pressures while on the field for 28 percent of the defensive snaps last season. The Cowboys' roster additions could bury Houston on the depth chart. Rather than play the fifth-year pro sparingly, Dallas can trade him to an edge-rusher-needy team for an early Day 3 pick."The logic is straightforward. Houston still holds value around the league, and Dallas could capitalize before his contract situation becomes a larger question.Houston is entering a pivotal stage of his career. If Dallas keeps him through the season and allows him to reach free agency next spring, there is no guarantee the organization receives meaningful compensation in return.There are no reported no-trade restrictions that would complicate a deal. That flexibility gives Dallas options if another team presents a suitable offer. From a salary-cap perspective, moving Houston would also create additional roster flexibility, though the primary motivation appears to be asset management rather than financial relief.For the Cowboys, a trade would reinforce confidence in the depth they have assembled along the edge. It would also provide another draft asset as the front office continues planning beyond the 2026 season.For any acquiring team, Houston could offer immediate pass-rushing help without the cost typically associated with high-end edge defenders. His ability to generate pressure in limited snaps suggests there may still be untapped value in a larger role.Whether Dallas ultimately pulls the trigger remains uncertain. For now, Houston's name remains one to watch as teams continue evaluating their rosters before the regular season begins.