Cowboys tight end roster review: Jake Ferguson’s emergence eases Dallas’ job this offseason
With a developing star in Jake Ferguson and young depth behind him, the Cowboys might easily stay put at tight end this offseason.
The Dallas Cowboys team faces several questions in the 2024 offseason, but the tight end position is one they will not have to worry about. Jake Ferguson’s promotion to starter and the young depth under contract make TE one of the team’s assets as it prepares for the upcoming season.
Ferguson’s outstanding debut year as TE1 was recently highlighted by being chosen a Pro Bowl alternate. With only two seasons under his belt, the former fourth-round choice has already made us forget Dalton Schultz and appears to be the best player to play the position in recent memory.
With a developing star in Jake Ferguson and young depth behind him, the Cowboys might easily stay put at tight end this offseason.
The Dallas Cowboys team faces several questions in the 2024 offseason, but the tight end position is one they will not have to worry about. Jake Ferguson’s promotion to starter and the young depth under contract make TE one of the team’s assets as it prepares for the upcoming season.
Ferguson’s outstanding debut year as TE1 was recently highlighted by being chosen a Pro Bowl alternate. With only two seasons under his belt, the former fourth-round choice has already made us forget Dalton Schultz and appears to be the best player to play the position in recent memory.
TEs Under Contract in 2024
Jake Ferguson – $1.16 million cap hit
Luke Schoonmaker – $1.42 million cap hit
Peyton Hendershot – $990,000 cap hit.
Cap hits for John Stephens and Princeton Fant are $916k and $795k, respectively.
Even beyond the top two, things are pretty solid overall. Peyton Hendershot has proven effective when targeted and a good runner after the catch. We’re also intrigued to see if John Stephens Jr., a TE/WR hybrid, can come back from a preseason ACL tear and build on the strong receiving work he showed last year. Prospect Princeton Fant, an undrafted free agent last year, is also back after spending 2023 on the practice squad.
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One thing we can almost guarantee this spring is that Dallas won’t be making any big moves at tight end. Their top two are set and they could ride with the current depth
Most likely, they’ll add a few camp bodies from this year’s UDFA crop, as well as a late-round pick for a player they particularly like.
If the Cowboys make a move in free agency, they may re-sign Sean McKeon for seasoned depth or bring in someone with more proven blocking abilities. That is the only concern with Hendershot and Stephens as depth options, which might be a factor as the team focuses on upgrading its run game this offseason.
Whatever tiny modifications are made, Jake Ferguson and Luke Schoonmaker will make life easier for Dallas’ front office this summer. The Cowboys can focus their attention and resources elsewhere on the roster, knowing they have a strong foundation at the top of the TE depth chart.
