In 2023, the Dallas Cowboys raised eyebrows when they selected tight end Luke Schoonmaker in the second round, a move that seemed puzzling given the emergence of Jake Ferguson and other pressing roster needs. Two years later, Schoonmaker’s role with the team is in jeopardy, as he’s fallen behind Ferguson and undrafted free agent Brevyn Spann-Ford on the depth chart. With training camp rumors highlighting Spann-Ford’s superior blocking and improving pass-catching, voices like KD Drummond of Cowboys Wire and veteran reporter Mike Fisher are urging Dallas to explore trading Schoonmaker. This article dives into the context of the Cowboys’ 2023 draft choice, Schoonmaker’s underwhelming tenure, and the case for trading him now, offering NFL fans a compelling debate for Facebook discussions about Dallas’ roster strategy.
The 2023 Draft Decision: A Questionable Pick
When the Dallas Cowboys used their second-round pick (No. 58 overall) in the 2023 NFL Draft to select Michigan tight end Luke Schoonmaker, the decision sparked debate. The team had drafted Jake Ferguson in the fourth round in 2022, and the rookie showed promise, starting eight games and recording 19 catches for 174 yards and two touchdowns. While Dallas was losing veteran tight end Dalton Schultz to free agency, the need for another tight end seemed less urgent compared to other positions.
By selecting Schoonmaker, the Cowboys passed on high-upside prospects like wide receiver Tank Dell, running back De’Von Achane, and offensive lineman O’Cyrus Torrence, all of whom have since made significant impacts with their respective teams. Dell, for instance, emerged as a dynamic playmaker for the Houston Texans, while Achane became a versatile weapon for the Miami Dolphins. The Cowboys’ offensive line, plagued by injuries and inconsistency, could have benefited from Torrence’s stability. Posts on X at the time criticized the pick, with users like @CowboysNation questioning why Dallas prioritized a tight end over more pressing needs. The choice reflected a strategy to bolster the tight end room for two-tight-end sets, but it now appears misaligned with the team’s trajectory.
Schoonmaker’s Struggles: A Diminishing Role
Two years into his NFL career, Luke Schoonmaker has failed to carve out a significant role with the Cowboys. In 2024, his second season, he appeared in all 17 games but managed only 27 receptions for 241 yards and two touchdowns—modest numbers for a second-round pick. Jake Ferguson, meanwhile, solidified his status as the team’s TE1, leading Dallas tight ends with 59 catches for 615 yards and five touchdowns in 2024, per ESPN. Schoonmaker’s limited production placed him firmly behind Ferguson on the depth chart, raising questions about his fit in Dallas’ offense.
The emergence of undrafted free agent Brevyn Spann-Ford in 2025 training camp has further jeopardized Schoonmaker’s position. Spann-Ford, a second-year player from Minnesota, has reportedly outperformed Schoonmaker, showcasing superior blocking skills and improved pass-catching ability. Mike Fisher, a longtime Cowboys beat writer, noted on The Fish Report that Spann-Ford is “not even close” to Schoonmaker in performance, positioning him as the clear TE2. Spann-Ford’s versatility, including his potential to serve as a de facto third receiver in certain formations, has made Schoonmaker expendable. X posts, like @DallasFanatic’s, echo Fisher’s sentiment, with fans praising Spann-Ford’s physicality and questioning Schoonmaker’s roster spot.
The Case for Trading Schoonmaker: Timing and Value
With Schoonmaker unlikely to climb the depth chart barring an injury to Ferguson or Spann-Ford, Cowboys Wire’s KD Drummond argues it’s time for Dallas to explore a trade. In a June 16, 2025, article, Drummond suggests the Cowboys could follow the trend of teams “cashing out” on underperforming draft picks, citing Schoonmaker’s replaceable production and diminishing role. Trading him now, while he still has two years left on his rookie contract (through 2026, with a 2027 option), could yield a decent return, potentially a fourth-round pick, though a second-round recoup is unlikely.
The Cowboys have a history of acquiring young players via trades, such as the 2022 deal for defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins, which netted a sixth-round pick, per The Athletic. A Schoonmaker trade could target a team needing tight end depth, like the Los Angeles Chargers or Seattle Seahawks, both of whom face uncertainties at the position, per NFL.com. Drummond emphasizes the urgency, noting that Spann-Ford’s growth could further devalue Schoonmaker if Dallas waits. X users, like @NFLTradeRumors, speculate that a trade could involve swapping Schoonmaker for a late-round pick or a depth player at a position of need, such as offensive line or linebacker.
Challenges and Risks: The Cowboys’ Perspective
Trading Schoonmaker is not without complications. His draft status as a second-round pick carries weight, and the Cowboys may hesitate to admit a misstep so soon, especially under owner Jerry Jones, known for loyalty to high picks, per Dallas Morning News. Mike Fisher cautions that Dallas won’t cut Schoonmaker outright, but his lack of impact raises questions about his snap count in 2025. With only $1.4 million in dead cap if traded, per Spotrac, the financial risk is minimal, but the optics of trading a recent high pick could draw scrutiny.
Another challenge is Schoonmaker’s trade value. His 241-yard season and limited blocking prowess, compared to Spann-Ford’s reported dominance, may limit interest to a fifth- or sixth-round pick, per CBS Sports. Teams may also view him as a developmental project rather than an immediate contributor, reducing Dallas’ leverage. X discussions, like @CowboysHQ’s, suggest some fans prefer keeping Schoonmaker as depth, arguing injuries could necessitate his role in two-tight-end sets. However, with Ferguson and Spann-Ford locked in, retaining Schoonmaker risks wasting a roster spot on a player with minimal impact.
Broader Implications: Dallas’ Roster Strategy and NFL Trends
The Schoonmaker situation reflects broader NFL trends, where teams increasingly trade underperforming draft picks to recoup value, as seen with the New York Jets’ trade of Zach Wilson in 2024, per ESPN. For Dallas, moving Schoonmaker aligns with their need to address roster holes, particularly on the offensive line and at linebacker, where injuries exposed weaknesses in 2024, per Pro Football Focus. A trade could net a pick to target prospects in the 2026 draft, which features strong offensive line talent, per NFL Draft Buzz.
The Cowboys’ tight end room, once a strength, now highlights their draft miscalculation. Ferguson’s ascent and Spann-Ford’s rise showcase Dallas’ ability to develop talent, but Schoonmaker’s struggles underscore the risks of prioritizing depth over need in early rounds. X posts, like @NFLAnalyst’s, criticize the 2023 pick as a “luxury” choice, urging Dallas to prioritize starters in future drafts. As the Cowboys aim to rebound from a 9-8 season and wild-card loss in 2024, trading Schoonmaker could signal a shift toward maximizing roster efficiency.
The Dallas Cowboys’ decision to draft Luke Schoonmaker in 2023 was a head-scratcher, and two years later, his diminished role behind Jake Ferguson and Brevyn Spann-Ford has sparked calls for a trade. With Spann-Ford outshining him in training camp and analysts like KD Drummond and Mike Fisher advocating a move, Dallas faces a critical juncture. Trading Schoonmaker could recoup a draft pick to address roster needs, but his low trade value and draft status complicate the decision. As the Cowboys navigate their 2025 roster, this saga offers fans a chance to debate their draft strategy and future direction. Should Dallas cut their losses with Schoonmaker, or keep him as depth?