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Frisco, Texas — Neither Jason Witten nor Dalton Schultz will at least probably walk through the door to the Dallas Cowboys in 2024, but despite what happened to Jake Ferguson and his breakout season, they still aren't. That's totally fine considering the fact that he hasn't reached his ceiling in 2023.
But there is a less secure situation behind Ferguson. Because right now, there's no player that I can point to and say to myself, “Oh, that's a complementary piece to Ferguson.''
That should bother you and the Cowboys considering what's at stake in 2024.
So start by looking inward and asking, “What next?” A series of visits to the free agent mall to find who could reasonably help the Cowboys at the tight end position, but keeping in mind that this is one of the thinnest free agent groups on the market. Please put it on.
for your information: *Be sure to check out the entire “What’s Next?”*” As an introductory book to the series.
Here's what you'll find:
Sean McKeown: McKeon has played a quiet, steady role behind the tense conversations in Dallas over the past few seasons. The 26-year-old joined the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent out of Michigan in 2020 (yes, he was a Wolverine, too) and has found his way to play time and time again for a variety of reasons. .
Arguably the best blocking TE in the group and a regular special teams contributor, McKeon has always found a way to stick on the roster. But while McKeon, who finished the 2023 season on injured reserve to make way for Peyton Hendershot's return from IR, will be a free agent with a lot of uncertainty, there's no one in the building. I have a lot of friends who might want to take me to training camp. at least.
Peyton Hendershot/John Stevens Jr.: This is a battle that needs to be lapped up heading into the summer offseason program. As previously mentioned, Hendershot spent a lot of time on injured reserve in his second season, and aside from a few splash plays on special teams upon his return, his sophomore season was memorable. It's the season. However, Stevens tore his ACL in the preseason. And he essentially redshirted all of 2023.
Before these injuries, Stevens was giving Hendershot (and McKeown) everything he could in training camp battles. That means his return aligns directly with Hendershot, who will need to show dynamic performances in camp and preseason contests to thwart Stevens (who can also line up as a wide receiver); Both are fighting for his right to be TE3 in 2024.
Jake Ferguson/Luke Schoonmaker: Considering this series is about players heading to free agency or on the roster bubble, there's no need to delve into the fact that it's a Ferguson show by now. He stepped up to not only take on the clear TE1 role, but also as a mentor to the young talent behind him on the depth chart.
One such talent is Schoonmaker, a 2023 second-round pick. He missed all of last summer's training camp due to plantar fasciitis and spent the rest of the season struggling to find leg strength at the NFL level. Schoonmaker, another former Wolverine, is expected to prove to be a legitimate complement to Ferguson in 2024, but over-insurance at this position will do little harm. My opinion is that it won't happen.
What's there:
Note: These players will have their restrictions lifted on March 13th unless they have signed a new contract with their current team before that date.
Mike Gesicki: Is he a tight end or a receiver? This is a debate that raged during his time with the Dolphins, but it speaks to his ability to be both. What's most interesting is the fact that he can provide the Cowboys with that kind of skill set while also helping Stevens figure out how to use tabbed power as well, and in my opinion , this is a bit of a win-win situation.
Gesicki recently spent time with Bill Belichick and the Patriots, but those days are over. The former Penn State tight end at least has some ties to the Cowboys (hello, Micah) and could thrive here. It was a down year for Gesicki in New England, due in large part to poor play at quarterback, but imagining him and Ferguson playing against each other in a two-TE set would be a nightmare for opposing defenses. It becomes a great fuel.
Hunter Henry: Reliable, experienced, and mostly cheap, Henry is a favorite tandem candidate with Ferguson until Schoonmaker gains momentum and things settle down with a battle between Hendershot and Stevens. The 29-year-old has started 83 career games, totaling 3,853 receiving yards and 38 total receiving touchdowns in eight seasons and, like Gesicki, is finishing up his education under Belichick.
He's not the flashiest, but that's okay because that's not what you need when evaluating Dallas' current situation. All it takes is blocking and everything else Henry brings to the table.
Austin Hooper: Things haven't been going too well for Hooper as of late, but don't forget he's a former third-round pick (2016) turned two-time Pro Bowler with the Atlanta Falcons, the player who most recently won the honor in 2019. must not. It's hard to believe there was a significant and rapid decline in the former All-Pac-12 tight end's ability, but instead points to the fact that he was on the Browns' roster in 2022 with QB Flax and then signed with the Raiders. ing. In 2023 (I mean, come on).
He still gained 678 receiving yards during that two-year slump, and his continued friendship with Dak Prescott could only help them get back on track, likely making it a reasonable deal. Ta.
Honorable mention: Noah Fant.Gerald Everett – Fant and Everett both bring a lot to the table, but the former is more of a speedy YAC player and the latter is a definite red zone threat and short-yardage safety blanket, so either would be fine. , not as much as Everett. The three pending outside free agents mentioned above are unlikely to get short-term deals (likely due to their asking price and age). There's a lot of youngster here waiting in the wings, so that's what they should go for. ). But if either of you is going to agree to something like that, please sign me up. Especially regarding red zone threats.
Honorable mention: dalton schultz – Stop it, guys.
