Luke Schoonmaker’s time may finally be running out for the Dallas Cowboys. The second-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft never really challenged Jake Ferguson for the starting tight end job as was hoped, nor has he shown much improvement thus far in his career. As a result, his time in Dallas may expire before his rookie contract does.
Schoonmaker is entering a contract year this season and currently finds himself on the roster bubble nearly two weeks into training camp. No. 86 has enjoyed the relative safety a player of his draft status generally gets throughout his first three seasons with the Cowboys, but that security seems to be running out. He may have to fight tooth and nail to even make the roster.
Although Schoonmaker was technically Dallas’ TE2 based on the number of offensive snaps he played last season (391), many would agree Brevyn Spann-Ford ended up surpassing him on the depth chart despite playing 91 less snaps (300). Spann-Ford has shown continued development after going undrafted in 2024 and is now considered by many the primary backup.
Where Schoonmaker has shown very little improvement/development since entering the league, Spann-Ford has grown by leaps and bounds as both a blocker and receiver since joining the Cowboys. The former UFDA is currently having a strong training camp, further cementing himself as Dallas’ TE2 heading into the 2026 NFL season.
With Spann-Ford surpassing him on the depth chart, at best, Schoonmaker currently finds himself third on the TE depth chart right now. His slide might not stop there though with the way Michael Trigg has started to shine in multiple practices now, catching the eye those in attendance and making a name for himself.
Michael Trigg signed with the Cowboys after the completion of the 2026 NFL Draft as an undrafted free agent. Many believed him to be a mid-round draft prospect, but for whatever reason he never heard his name called. Despite going undrafted, he’s been one of the more hyped up of Dallas’ rookies and so far hasn’t disappointed at training camp.
This could have Schoonmaker looking over his shoulder once again. If Trigg continues to improve and earn the trust of the coaching staff and his teammates alike, he could very well push No. 86 right off the roster seeing as how the Cowboys typically only carry three TEs on the depth chart.
This is an interesting situation to keep a close watchful eye on out the rest of training camp and preseason. It could end up being one of those cautious tales about how production speaks louder than words, whether you are ultimately drafted or not.
What’s your take BYB? Will Schoonmaker make the roster this season?
