Cowboys Coach Reveals Failed Chiefs Trade
Dallas Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer recently revealed what they went through during the 2026 NFL Draft.
Schottenheimer appeared on the "Twin Takes Podcast" and discussed Dallas' draft day activities. The Cowboys selected Caleb Downs from Ohio State with the 11th overall pick.
Before that, the Dallas coach revealed that they were actually trying to trade higher in the draft.
"We had four guys targeted that we really felt really strongly about that would fit great in our culture and our football team," Schottenheimer said. "Caleb was at the top of that list."
Schottenheimer said that they were trying to make a trade with the Kansas City Chiefs, who originally had the ninth pick. However, the Chiefs made a trade with the Cleveland Browns to secure the sixth pick.
"We actually had a deal in place, we had a trade in place with Kansas City that we were hoping to be able to make a move for," Schottenheimer revealed. "Well, they moved up early in the draft [from No. 9 to No. 6] for Mansoor Delane and so we were kind of like, OK, we've lost that opportunity. But the draft is the unknown. And so as Caleb started to fall."
Downs remained on the board, and Schottenheimer thought that the New York Giants would grab him. However, Francis Mauigoa was selected by the Giants with the tenth pick.
"And when they didn't take him, he fell to 11, the phone rang," the Dallas coach shared. "We were talking back and forth with Miami.
"We could have sat and waited, but we were concerned someone might move ahead of us at 12."
Schottenheimer said that they knew everyone wanted Downs, which is why they made a trade with the Miami Dolphins.
Dallas got their preferred safety and is looking to bounce back after a 7-9-1 season. The incoming second-year head coach is aiming for a better outcome after the Cowboys missed the playoffs in his first season.
Related: Dallas Cowboys 2026 NFL Season Preview
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This story was originally published July 8, 2026 at 6:58 AM.