The Dallas Cowboys focused primarily on defense in the 2026 NFL Draft, highlighting their 'aggressive' approach to filling defensive gaps

However, NFL insider Todd Archer reported that the Cowboys signed undrafted free agent D.J. Rogers, a tight end from TCU, to a $200,000 guaranteed contract on April 26.

"The Cowboys have an agreement with TCU tight end D.J. Rogers on an undrafted free agent deal that guarantees him $200,000. Tight end was a position Cowboys were looking to draft but Rogers will have chance to make a spot," Archer wrote on his X post.

During his final season with the Horned Frogs, Rogers made 13 appearances, caught 34 passes for 319 receiving yards, and scored two touchdowns.

He was projected to be a sixth or seventh round selection in his Combine report by NFL analyst Lance Zierlein.

According to the Big Board Lab’s scouting report on D.J. Rogers, he may fit in a TE2/TE3 role with a special teams value offering ‘emergency receiving upside’. 

With Jake Ferguson as the starter and Luke Schoonmaker as the key backup, adding D.J. Rogers to the mix will put him in a position to compete for a roster or practice squad spot.

Rogers’ Fit in the Dallas Cowboys Tight End Room

The depth in the Cowboys' tight end room remains uncertain as starter Jake Ferguson's production elevated only in 2025.

He recorded 82 catches for 600 yards and eight touchdowns in 2025 and saw lower production with 59 receptions for 494 yards and zero touchdowns in 2024.

With Brevyn Spann-Ford projected to take the place of Luke Schoonmaker, it leaves Princeton Fant and Rogers an opportunity to compete for a place on the roster, according to Heavy's Sean Deveney.

According to CBS Sports, Rogers is described as someone who is 'selfless and coachable.' He is also described as someone with the potential to become a valuable depth piece for the Cowboys on both special teams and offense.

However, the contingency is he should improve on his hand placement and contact balance.

The Cowboys' signing Rogers to a lucrative deal suggests a long-term commitment, but whether he secures a spot on the 53-man roster will ultimately depend on how he proves himself on the field.

You can read more at the Dallas Cowboys Community!

Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Rishab Nandi