Cowboys Urged To Trade Struggling Tight End

The Dallas Cowboys underwent some considerable offensive personnel changes throughout the offseason. Starting at the Cowboys parted ways with head coach and play caller Mike McCarthy and promoted Brian Schottenheimer to that seat.  

They turned around and addressed some glaring holes on the roster. The trade for wide receiver George Pickens remains the most notable of these, but Dallas also installed rookie Tyler Booker at right guard and brought in an entirely new backfield comprised of rookies and veterans. 

Dak Prescott remains QB1 though they pursued and acquired Joe Milton III to serve as his new backup. All areas of the offense had some sort of makeover or overhaul besides the tight end position. 

It appears Jake Ferguson will headline this group once again with Luke Schoonmaker and Brevyn Spann-Ford slotting in behind him. But could the Cowboys offload one of those players to clear the way for another?

Spann-Ford has been gaining momentum this offseason and has Schottenheimer believing in a big jump next season as he detailed in his press conference last week. 

"This guy is not just a run blocker and a pass protector. This guy can be a weapon because of his size in the middle of the field, matched up on linebackers and safeties... He's already made the jump."

For that reason K.D. Drummond of Cowboys Wire has urged the Cowboys to explore a trade for Schoonmaker.

"For the Cowboys, the trades have all been about bringing in young talent, but 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 tight end Luke Schoonmaker."

Schoonmaker has not lived up to the billing of a second-round pick. Despite that draft value, is there really a reason to send him away?

The idea of trading a low-usage player to add some draft capital sounds good in theory. But there really is no market for him out there. 

Schoonmaker may not be a No. 1 option and perhaps Spann-Ford surpasses him at training camp later this summer. At the same time, tight end depth has provides value in the form of insurance if Ferguson gets injured and misses time.

Dallas needs the supporting cast pieces able to do some of the dirty work or step in when their number's called. Schoonmaker may be penciled into that spot next season but it does not mean the Cowboys need to find an off ramp.