The Dallas Cowboys potentially strong draft class could have a ripple effect on the roster. Not only did the Cowboys select a few promising rookies, Dallas also signed several undrafted free agents who have the talent to potentially make the final roster.
The Cowboys signed a pair of undrafted tight ends in Michael Trigg and D.J. Rogers who are looking to take one of the veterans’ spots on the 53-man roster. Sports Illustrated’s Randy Gurzi predicts that the Cowboys will keep Trigg and cut ties with one of the team’s veteran tight ends.
On the way out could be Luke Schoonmaker, projects Gurzi.
“At quarterback, the Cowboys suddenly have a QB2 battle, and Sam Howell could wind up ahead of Joe Milton, but all three make it in this prediction, Gurzi wrote in an April 26, 2026, story titled, “Projecting Dallas Cowboys’ Depth Chart & 53-Man Roster After 2026 Draft.”
“As for surprises, tight end Luke Schoonmaker is on chopping block thanks to the upside Michael Trigg provides.”
Here’s what you need to know about the latest Cowboys rumors.
The Cowboys Are Projected to Cut Ties With Former 2nd Round Pick Luke Schoonmaker
Schoonmaker would be a surprise as Dallas selected the tight end in the second round of the 2023 NFL draft with the No. 58 overall pick. With just three touchdowns during his first three NFL seasons, Schoonmaker has not exactly lived up to the expectations that come with being a second-round pick.
Schoonmaker has appeared in 51 games during his three seasons in Dallas, including 13 starts. The tight end has been remarkably durable, playing in all 17 games for three straight seasons. Schoonmaker is heading into the final season of a four-year, $6.2 million rookie contract.
New Cowboys TE Michael Trigg Has ‘Field-Stretching Potential’
Trigg is nearly 6-foot-4 and 240 pounds, offering solid NFL size along with plenty of production at Baylor. NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein compared Trigg to former Los Angeles Rams tight end Gerald Everett.
Trigg received a sixth- to seventh-round grade from the NFL analyst ahead of the draft.
“Long, rangy tight end offering rare arm length, good speed and some alignment versatility,” Zierlein wrote in his pre-draft profile of the Cowboys tight end. “Trigg moves like a big wideout with surprising hip sink, foot quickness and fluid transitions to run after the catch.
“He wins vertically against linebackers and overwhelms defensive backs with size, high-point talent and massive hands that fuel highlight-reel catches. He’s still developing as a route-runner and struggles to finish catches through heavy contact,” Zierlein continued.
“His frame and pad level limit in-line blocking, but he can wall off or stalk block from the slot. Trigg’s field-stretching potential and air space dominance in the red zone should lead to production as a pro.”
Cowboys HC Brian Schottenheimer Labels Tight End as ‘One of the Most Stable Positions’ on Roster
Jake Ferguson continues to be projected as the Cowboys starting tight end. Dallas has spent the offseason retooling their defense and appears happy with mostly running things back with the team’s offensive core.
Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer labeled tight end as “one of the most stable positions” on the team’s roster. The coach also praised Trigg and Rogers, which indicates the pressure could be on the Cowboys veteran tight ends during training camp.
“I’m really excited about those two young men, and adding it to a group that I feel is one of the most stable positions on our roster,” Schottenheimer noted, per Blogging the Boys.
