In an offseason with big questions at wide receiver, running back, and perhaps the offensive line, it’s nice that the Cowboys can feel comfortable about their tight ends. With a reliable starter and legitimate
competition for the backup job, Dallas can afford to give less attention to the position and direct resources to more critical needs in 2026.
Under Contract
Jake Ferguson – Ferguson bounced back in 2025 to the form that got him a multi-year contract. He finished third among all TEs in catches, with a fantastic 80% success rate on receptions when targeted. He also posted a career-high eight touchdowns, tied for third league-wide and more than doubling his career total from previous seasons. You’d like to see more RAC from Ferguson, but he fulfills his primary role as a reliable chain-mover. Costing well below the likes of George Kittle and Trey McBride, Ferguson has strong value as a Pro Bowl-worthy starter.
Luke Schoonmaker – While he still has a job in Dallas, which is more than most of the 2023 draft class can say, Schoonmaker enters the final year of his rookie contract on shaky ground. He is getting pushed from below by undrafted prospect Brevyn Spann-Ford
Brevyn Spann-Ford – While Schoonmaker had more total snaps last year, that edge came early. Over the second half of 2025, Spann-Ford was tying him for snaps as the superior blocker.
Free Agents
Currently, the Cowboys are not listing any other tight ends am0ng their 2026 free agents. They may keep an eye on guys they’ve worked with like Princeton Fant or John Stephens Jr., but Fant wasn’t signed to a futures deal despite finishing the season on the practice squad. It appears the team’s planning to freshen up its training camp depth this offseason.
What’s Needed?
Arguably, not much. Ferguson is clearly established as TE1 for at least the next few years, while the competition between Schoonmaker and Spann-Ford should yield two capable backups. Dallas could consider upgrading the backup spot, especially for security if Ferguson gets injured, but you can certainly live with this trio in 2026 while addressing other more pressing concerns.
One x-factor could be who’s coaching the TEs next year. Lunda Wells has held that job with distinction for six seasons, spanning three different offensive coordinators, but is currently going through interviews for multiple OC jobs. There’s a good chance he’ll be gone, so whoever takes over that role could impact how the Cowboys perceive their current talent and the need for more.
Depending on where our next TE coach comes from, that could drive potential free agent moves. It won’t be flashy given the current talent and other offseason business, but we could see a veteran added to beef up the backup competition. Any draft picks at TE won’t be until Day 3, so we wouldn’t expect them to compete with Schoonmaker and Spann-Ford right away. So a meaningful addition to the group will probably have to come from free agency.
