Cowboys TE depth chart: Tight ends at training camp

When the Cowboys’ previous No. 1 tight end Dalton Schultz moved on to the Houston Texans last year, it wasn’t clear if any of those behind him would step up as a big player. Those concerns were squashed pretty quickly, with new No. 1 Jake Ferguson emerging as Dak Prescott’s second-favorite target behind star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb.

It’s pretty clear that Ferguson will continue to be the TE1 for the 2024 season, but let’s take a look at the tight end depth chart as the Cowboys finish up their second full week of training camp in Oxnard, California. Head coach Mike McCarthy is already enjoying the competition.

“John’s [Stephens Jr.] done some really good things,” said McCarthy. “Princeton [Fant], particularly once we put the pads on, that’s where his game comes a light a little more. And the young cats are smart, instinctive players, so I do want to see more padded work. But those guys are doing a really nice job, it’s going to be a very competitive room.”

Dallas Cowboys tight ends 2024

TE1: Jake Ferguson

Ferguson became the second receiver because of his proven consistency last year. In just his second season with Dallas, he caught 71 passes for 761 yards and five touchdowns. He’ll look to expand on that this coming season.

TE2: Luke Schoonmaker

The Cowboys took Schoonmaker in the second round of the 2023 Draft and his rookie season was underwhelming, catching eight passes for 65 yards and two touchdowns. His NFL career so far has been plagued by injuries. Before he even started with the Cowboys, Schoonmaker was already dealing with a foot injury he suffered in college, forcing him to miss all of spring training.

Then in early 2024, he had to have shoulder surgery. Two months before the start of training camp, Schoonmaker sprained his hamstring and had to sit out OTAs and mandatory minicamp, again. He was fine by the start of training camp but now is injured again. On Firday, he suffered a groin injury during practice and is now considered day-to-day.

If he can stay healthy, Schoonmaker is still likely to struggle to have a breakout year behind Ferguson at TE1.

TE3: Peyton Hendershot

Behind Ferguson and Schoonmaker last season, Hendershot actually saw a drop in production in his second year in Dallas. He went from 11 receptions and 16 targets for 103 yards and two touchdowns in 2022 to four receptions on seven targets for 38 yards and no touchdowns in 2023. He is, however, the only tight end on the roster behind those two with any regular season experience, which automatically makes him the TE3, although the next three on the list could change that.

Hendershot missed nine regular season games last year due to an ankle injury, which he had operated on in February. On Friday, he participated in 7-on-7 drills and appears to be fully recovered.

“Almost” ain’t gon’ cut it, I’m afraid.

TE4: John Stephens Jr.

Stephens was out for the entire 2023 season with an ACL injury. Now that he’s healthy again, he’s been getting some reps in during training camp, and the battle for the TE3 spot has started to heat up.

Brevyn Spann-Ford

Rookie Brevyn Spann-Ford comes out of Minnesota as an undrafted free agent and has a chance to earn a spot on the final Cowboys roster this season. He’s a huge guy, standing at 6′6″ and 260 pounds with superb blocking skills. He’s stood out during training camp as well, mainly for his ability to block and find weak points in the defense.

Princeton Fant

Fant didn’t make it past the practice squad in 2023, so he’ll be hoping for a spot on the 53-man roster this season. He’s impressed head coach Mike McCarthy during training camp, which was unexpected, but good to hear. He has a lot of competition ahead of him, but if he keeps it up, he may secure his spot.

Alec Holler

Rookie Alec Holler is a tough guy to tackle at 6′3″, 242 pounds, but with all that competition ahead of him, he’s going to need to impress a whole lot more in training camp.