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Grade Dallas Cowboys sign Dee Winters
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Quick Reaction
Sentiment Analysis
B
Positive
NegativeMixedPositive
Dallas adds a solid depth linebacker who had a career year with San Francisco. Multiple outlets report Winters was surprised by the trade, indicating it wasn't orchestrated by him. The fifth-round pick cost is reasonable for a rotational defender entering his prime. Winters' homecoming narrative resonates with fans, adding local appeal to the acquisition. Cowboys get an above-average backup linebacker to strengthen their interior defense rotation.
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Contract Value Index (CVI)
A-
Great Value
OverpayFair ValueGreat Value
Dee Winters earns an A- Contract Value Index (CVI) on this trade acquisition, a strong endorsement of Dallas's ability to add depth at what appears to be a below-market rate. At $993K AAV against a $3.97M total commitment, the Cowboys are getting proven depth at a price point that leaves substantial cap flexibility—critical for a team sitting at 7-9-1 and needing optionality as the roster takes shape heading into the regular season in 91 days. The contract structure suggests a short-term, low-risk arrangement that lets Dallas evaluate fit without long-term financial exposure, the kind of shrewd roster construction that doesn't require massive upside to deliver value. Without detailed production metrics in hand, the CVI grade reflects the economics: Winters was obtainable via trade for what appears to be minimal outlay, and his compensation sits well below the tier of a franchise cornerstone, indicating the Cowboys viewed him as a complementary piece rather than a cornerstone anchor. This deal epitomizes efficient offseason capital allocation—low cost, manageable commitment, and the flexibility to pivot if needed as Dallas stabilizes after a disappointing 2025 campaign.
Contract Details
- Total Value
- $4.0M
- AAV
- $993K
- Guaranteed
- $133K
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About this NFL transaction
The Dallas Cowboys completed a trade involving Dee Winters on April 24, 2026. FanVerdicts covers every reported NFL move — and asks fans to weigh in on each one. Cast your Fan Verdict on this move, see where the crowd lands, and argue the call. FanVerdicts brings its own read too — sentiment and Contract Value Index — as one honest input alongside the crowd's. Where FanVerdicts has weighed in so far: Contract Value Index A-, Sentiment B.
Contract details below show the years, total value, average annual value, and guaranteed money behind the Contract Value Index read. That read does not change once written — it reflects market expectations at the moment of signing, recomputed only if the contract is restructured.
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