It was always seen as something of an odd decision when, in 2023, the Dallas Cowboys opted to use their second-round pick on a tight end. Nothing against Luke Schoonmaker, of course, but Dallas had just used a fourth-rounder on Jake Ferguson the previous year, and he had begun to show signs of being a quality NFL starter. In fact, he started eight games as a rookie.
Sure, the Cowboys were losing Dalton Schultz in free agency. But they passed on the likes of Tank Dell, De’Von Achane and offensive lineman O’Cyrus Torrence to take Schoonmaker, and the team surely could have used more help anywhere outside of the tight end room. But Dallas went with Schoonmaker and the die was cast.
Two years later, Schoonmaker’s status with the team is teetering. He is firmly behind Ferguson on the depth chart, and now appears again to be behind former UDFA Brevyn Spann-Ford. For that reason, the folks at USA Today’s Cowboys Wire site are pushing for Dallas to make a move.
Cowboys Have History of Adding Young Players
Indeed, it helps to make the trade sooner rather than later, and for the Cowboys and Schoonmaker, it’s hard to envision, short of an injury, how he will move up in the rotation. Last year, he had 241 yards on 27 catches in 17 games, pretty replaceable numbers. If they move him now, the Cowboys have a better shot at getting a decent draft pick in return.
Writes KD Drummond of Cowboys Wire: “Perhaps it’s time they consider cashing out on a drafted prospect the same way other teams have. The Cowboys should heavily consider seeing if there’s a trade market for TE Luke Schoonmaker.”
The reason, Drummond writes, is that, “Now, it appears he’s getting ready to be the third tight end in the rotation, despite entering the pivotal third year. Accelerated growth from second-year UDFA Brevyn Spann-Ford could see him usurp Schoonmaker as TE2 behind Jake Ferguson. Spann-Ford already proved to be a better blocker, and if he confirms rumors of improved pass-catching prowess when training camp begins, it might be time to offload the former Michigan Wolverine.”
Luke Schoonmaker Being Outdone by Brevyn Spann-Ford
Schoonmaker obviously could not be dealt off for another second-round pick, but Dallas could have an outside chance of recouping a fourth-rounder for him.
That may not be enough. But consider the view expressed by longtime Cowboys beat writer Mike Fisher in training camp this week.
“He’s getting beat out again by Brevyn Spann-Ford,” Fish said on The Fish Report. “Brevyn Spann-Ford, he’s the number two tight end, and depending on how they line up, what formation they line up in, when we talk about third receiver, he might be the “quote” third receiver. If it wasn’t for draft status and all the rest, and I’m not saying they’re going to give snaps on draft status, but they’re not cutting Schoon, but Schoon isn’t doing anything close to Brevyn Spann-Ford, not even close.”
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