The Dallas Cowboys are reported to release a veteran tight end in favor of an undrafted free agent (UDFA) signed this off-season.

According to a Heavy report by Jonathan Adams wrote about the competition between Michael Trigg and D.J. Rogers, the two undrafted tight ends, for a spot on the 53-man roster. 

However, the franchise could retain Trigg and could severe ties with Luke Schoonmaker. NFL reporter Randy Gurzi initially projected this development on April 26 in an article for Sports Illustrated. 

“As for surprises, tight end Luke Schoonmaker is on chopping block thanks to the upside Michael Trigg provides,” Gurzi wrote. 

The Dallas Cowboys selected Schoonmaker as the 58th pick in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Since his debut, Schoomaker has managed to score just three touchdowns from 49 receptions for 438 receiving yards. 

In his three seasons with the Cowboys, Schoonmaker has appeared in 51 games and was targeted 74 times. 

Adams discussed that the tight end has “not exactly lived up to the expectations that come with being a second-round pick.” Schoonmaker is heading into the final season of his four-year rookie contract worth $6.2 million. 

While there is no official confirmation regarding Schoonmaker's departure, Trigg is expected to be Schoomaker's replacement despite his undrafted status.

Analysts Believe In Michael Trigg's Potential 

The 23-year-old rookie went undrafted in this year’s draft and signed as a priority undrafted free agent. He joined the Cowboys with five years of collegiate experience under his belt. 

Trigg played in 38 games and made 108 receptions, 14 touchdowns, for 1,419 receiving yards. He also received an NFL Prospect grade of 6 at the 2026 NFL Combine. NFL analyst Lance Zierlein compared Trigg to former Los Angeles Rams TE Gerald Everett. 

“Long, rangy tight end offering rare arm length, good speed and some alignment versatility,” Zierlein wrote in his pre-draft profile during the Combine. “Trigg moves like a big wideout with surprising hip sink, foot quickness, and fluid transitions to run after the catch.

Moreover, new head coach Brian Schottenheimer believes that TE is “one of the most stable positions” on his offensive schemes.

According to a report from BloggingTheBoys, Schottenheimer discussed his initial impression of the UDFA tight ends in the Cowboys' rookie minicamp.

“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 said.

Only time will tell if Trigg proves to be the official replacement for Schoonmaker. What do you think of the players? Tell us your thoughts in the comments.

You can read more at the Dallas Cowboys Community!

Written by

Akanksha Biradar

Edited by

Rishab Nandi