7 Cowboys Whose Jobs Aren’t Safe After Surviving Trade Deadline

5. Luke Schoonmaker, TE

Remember when Cowboys fans were frustrated when management drafted Luke Schoonmaker 58th overall last year? Even though the former Wolverine showcased a solid amount of upside in the NCAA, the tight end room was the last position that Dallas needed to address — especially given the franchise's glaring needs (running back, D-line, etc.).

Those worried Cowboys fans were justified in their concerns when Schoonmaker only recorded eight receptions for 65 yards and two TDs in 17 games as a rookie. But even if that performance was less than glamorous, the hope was that the 26-year-old could take things to the next level in his second year.

Unfortunately, those who anticipated a breakout performance are still waiting for one. Schoonmaker hasn't been able to get anything rolling in the passing game, catching just eight balls for 56 yards without a score in nine appearances. He went from tallying a 104.2 passer rating when targeted as a rookie to a mark of 83.9 in 2024.

Schoonmaker's performance would be easier to swallow if he was at least a decent blocker, but even that isn't the case. His 50.3 run block and 41.4 pass block grades are noticeably down from last year's marks of 59.4 and 58.8, respectively.

Jake Ferguson is still the Cowboys' TE1, however, it's becoming clear that the team might want to consider finding him a better backup. The last thing Dallas needs is to be left with Schoonmaker as the top tight end in the event that Ferguson suffers a serious injury.