Former TCU linebacker Dee Winters will be returning to the Lone Star State. In a draft-day trade, the San Francisco 49ers are sending Winters to the Dallas Cowboys in a deal involving a 2026 fifth-round draft choice. A sixth-round choice by the 49ers in 2023, Winters played in 47 games over three seasons in San Francisco. The 5-foot-11, 227-pounder posted 155 tackles, 99 solo stops, 10 pass breakups and one interception with the 49ers.

Welcome back to DFW, @dwintersdos! 🤠📰: https://t.co/WWTcrefEbU | @blockchain pic.twitter.com/5qhby1a5YR

Winters enjoyed a career-best season in 2025, registering 101 total tackles, 67 solo stops, five pass breakups and an interception returned for a touchdown. At TCU, Winters was an All-Big 12 player who compiled 246 total tackles, 33.5 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, 10 pass breakups, three interceptions and two fumble recoveries. His pick-six of JJ McCarthy was a key play in TCU’s Fiesta Bowl win over Michigan that sent the Horned Frogs to the National Championship. The 25-year-old from Brenham, Texas has one year remaining on his rookie contract.