Niners Trade Winters for Future Draft Picks

0:00It's April 25th, NFL News Today starts now, AI-powered and game-ready. I'm Cory with the story. The San Francisco 49ers traded linebacker D Winters to the Dallas Cowboys for a 2026 5th round draft pick, number 1, 52 overall. This happened on Friday night after they shoveled picks earlier in the draft. Instead of grabbing someone right away, they flipped the struggling vet for future ammo. With Fred Warner back healthy, Dre Green law returning to the lineup and Tatum Bethune stepping up, the 49ers feel solid in linebacker. Winters was in his final contract year and didn't shine last season, so moving him clear space without much loss. ESPN analyst Seth Walder graded the Cowboys AC Plus and the 49ers AB Plus, calling it a clear win for San Francisco. He pointed out how Dallas overpayed for depth when the Niners had better options already locked in. This deal highlights the team's confidence in their current roster depth, heading into next season.

1:00They can always snag a Chief Day 3 rookie later, someone locked in for 4 years instead of 1. Smart play by the Niners front office, stalking the future while keeping the defense humming strong.