The Dallas Cowboys had a disappointing season offensively in 2024. While a hamstring injury to Dak Prescott and a non-existent running game were big culprits, the Cowboys needed more from their pass-catching group beyond CeeDee Lamb.
The Cowboys did well to trade for a formidable tag team partner in George Pickens. They also have a stable of dynamic receivers, including Jalen Tolbert and KaVonte Turpin. But while Prescott will have his weapons to choose from on the outside, there are some questions to be answered at tight end.
It leaves a notable name on the trade block as OTAs come to a close and it could result in a shocking deal before the start of the upcoming season.
Luke Schoonmaker Could Be Traded After Brevyn Spann-Ford’s Minicamp Breakout
One of the biggest winners from the offseason program was second-year tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford. The former UDFA was able to capture a roster spot and held on to the No. 3 tight end role throughout the season, but his growth in the receiving game stood out to Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram during the first week of OTAs.
“Prescott connected with multiple pass-catchers throughout the day, including a handful of connections with tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford,” Harris wrote on May 20. “The second-year undrafted tight end out of Minnesota earned a roster spot last season and kept it throughout the year. Heading into year two, he looks to be adding some receiving knacks to his game to help Prescott.”
Adding a receiving element would help Spann-Ford’s push for a larger role. The 6-foot-7, 269-pounder was used more of a blocker during his collegiate career with 95 catches for 1,061 yards and seven touchdowns over six seasons at Minnesota. A spot on the Cowboys roster didn’t affect his usage either with nine catches for 88 scoreless yards, but more production could be coming.
Where Do Spann-Ford and Schoonmaker Fit on the Cowboys' Tight End Depth Chart?
Jake Ferguson is locked in as the Cowboys’ starting tight end but a second-year breakout for Spann-Ford would be bad news for Luke Schoonmaker. Schoonmaker is a former second-round pick in the 2023 class, but he’s had modest production with 35 catches for 306 yards and three touchdowns over his first two seasons.
The chances are good that Schoonmaker will stick around in the third year of his deal but the Cowboys could be willing to listen to offers. If Spann-Ford continues his growth, the Cowboys could look to clear the way for him to earn more playing time, sending Schoonmaker to a new team as he enters his third season.