The Dallas Cowboys are very purposefully not extending linebacker Dee Winters following his acquisition from the San Francisco 49ers this offseason for a very specific reason: his market value is undefined.
That's DallasCowboys.com's Patrik Walker's take on the matter, anyway. Walker pointed out that there's a chance Winters is merely a rotational piece this season after leading the Niners in defensive snaps last season (1,038).
"The wait-and-see approach isn't abnormal for NFL teams after trading for a player. Sometimes it's not as much directed at the player as it is the totality of the position group and/or the market. I believe the Cowboys are smart to let Winters play out his contract season. Sure, if he has a breakout year in 2026, it'll cost them more in the end, but the cap goes up anyway, so there's that," Walker wrote.
"Additionally, they have no clue quite yet how their linebacker room will shake out, so why prematurely commit to Winters before knowing what his role will ultimately be? Will he be the starting MIKE, or will it be someone else? Will he be a rotational piece? Those two roles carry different salaries and guaranteed money in a negotiation, so there's no point in jumping the contract gun there."
Dee Winters could be one of Christian Parker's breakouts in 2026
First-year Cowboys defensive coordinator Christian Parker plans on maximizing his stars. He's publicly commented on building around guys like LB DeMarvion Overshown, and there's every reason to think Winters will get a chance to show what he can do early on.
Parker is a coverage-minded coach by trade, coming from the Philadelphia Eagles as a pass-game coordinator, and Winters excels there. The Brenham, Texas, native and former TCU Horned Frogs star gave up a mere 4.9 yards per target in coverage, good for second for qualified LBs with at least 40 targets. He also had five pass breakups and a pick-six.
Winters' effort as a tackler will also be valued after amassing 101 total tackles, 67 solo, last fall. San Francisco's coaching staff gave him a prestigious team award, the Matt Hazeltine Iron Man Award, named for the former Niners linebacker/center and awarded for leadership. Tangibly and intangibly, Winters brings what you're looking for in a rebuilding room with a young defensive coordinator.
Back in the Lone Star State again, Winters has a great chance ahead to earn himself a lucrative contract next offseason. It'll almost certainly be worth the wait to get paid if he can reach his full potential in the Metroplex.
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