Cowboys Tight End Luke Schoonmaker Emerges as Trade Candidate

Dallas has drawn trade speculation around receiver George Pickens, but Jeremy Fowler named tight end Luke Schoonmaker as a more plausible candidate. Fowler said the Cowboys’ defensive struggles make it difficult to trade players from that unit, while Schoonmaker is third on the tight-end depth chart and could interest teams seeking a blocker.

A second-round selection in 2023, Schoonmaker previously held the Cowboys’ No. 2 tight end role. Brevyn Spann-Ford began moving ahead of him last season, and Dallas later extended Spann-Ford. This season, Schoonmaker has played 16% of the offensive snaps, catching three passes for 30 yards on three targets, with no touchdowns.

His receiving production has also dropped across the past two seasons: he had 27 catches for 241 yards in 2024, followed by 14 for 132 yards in 2025. Schoonmaker is set to become a free agent after this season, making a trade one possible way for Dallas to get value before he can leave in 2027.

Chicago could be a fit after tight end Cole Kmet suffered a season-ending injury. The Bears use formations with multiple tight ends and have turned to rookie Sam Roush, whose performance has been poor, along with veteran Stephen Carlson. Schoonmaker could bring experience as well as blocking and receiving ability.

Dallas could turn to practice-squad tight end James Mitchell or rookie Michael Trigg if Schoonmaker is moved. The report suggested a seventh-round pick from Chicago would be enough reason for the Cowboys to make a deal.