Jake Ferguson’s Breakout Season Highlights Tight End Shift in Dallas - and Brevyn Spann-Ford Is Next in Line
Jake Ferguson isn’t just living up to expectations in Dallas - he’s redefining them. After signing a four-year, $52 million extension in the offseason, the third-year tight end has emerged as a cornerstone of the Cowboys’ offense.
Through 12 games, Ferguson has hauled in 70 receptions for 496 yards and a career-best seven touchdowns. That’s not just solid production - that’s top-tier tight end play in today’s NFL.
Ferguson’s chemistry with Dak Prescott has been undeniable. Whether it’s working the middle of the field, finding soft spots in zone, or turning short gains into chain-movers, he’s become a go-to option in key moments. And in a Cowboys offense that’s built on rhythm and timing, Ferguson’s reliability has been a game-changer.
But while Ferguson’s rise has been one of the season’s bright spots, it’s also quietly reshaping the Cowboys’ tight end depth chart - and that brings us to the other side of the story.
The Schoonmaker Question
Luke Schoonmaker, a second-round pick in 2023, came into the league with high hopes. Dallas envisioned him as a long-term answer at the position, especially following Dalton Schultz’s departure. But through two seasons, the production just hasn’t matched the projection.
This year, Schoonmaker has only managed nine catches for 64 yards and no touchdowns. That’s not the kind of stat line you want to see from a second-year player who was expected to be a key contributor.
And it’s not just the numbers - it’s the lack of impact. He’s struggled to carve out a consistent role in the offense, and the opportunities are starting to slip away.
Enter Brevyn Spann-Ford
While Ferguson has established himself and Schoonmaker continues to search for answers, a new name is starting to make some noise in Dallas: Brevyn Spann-Ford.
The undrafted rookie out of Minnesota made his presence felt in Week 12 against the Eagles, catching his first career touchdown in a comeback win. But that moment was just the tip of the iceberg. For those watching closely, Spann-Ford’s been quietly earning his stripes in multiple phases of the game - and it’s time the Cowboys leaned into it.
Let’s start with the blocking. Spann-Ford has been a force in the run game, and the numbers back it up.
According to Pro Football Focus, he currently ranks as the second-best run-blocking tight end in the NFL with an 84.0 grade, trailing only George Kittle. His overall offensive grade (83.2) also ranks second among tight ends.
Sure, it’s a smaller sample size - 190 offensive snaps - but the impact is real. When your name is being mentioned in the same breath as Kittle, you’re doing something right.
Spann-Ford’s 6-foot-7, 270-pound frame makes him a natural fit as an in-line blocker, but he’s not just a big body. He plays with leverage, finishes blocks, and brings a level of physicality that adds a new dimension to Dallas’ ground game. For a team that values balance on offense, that’s invaluable.
And now that he’s starting to show flashes as a pass-catcher? That’s where things get really interesting.
Special Teams Standout
Spann-Ford’s value doesn’t stop with the offense. He’s also become one of the Cowboys’ most dependable special teams contributors.
He’s logged 168 special teams snaps this season - 54 more than last year, despite playing in five fewer games. That tells you everything you need to know about how the coaching staff views his effort and reliability.
Whether it’s covering kicks, blocking on returns, or just bringing a physical edge to the third phase of the game, Spann-Ford has embraced his role - and it’s paying off.
Time for a Tight End Shake-Up?
At this point, it’s fair to ask: should Brevyn Spann-Ford move up the depth chart?
The answer is trending toward yes.
Schoonmaker’s development has stalled, and the Cowboys can’t afford to wait forever. With Ferguson entrenched as TE1 and Spann-Ford proving he can impact games in multiple ways, it might be time to give the rookie a bigger slice of the pie. He’s earned it - not just with one touchdown, but with consistent, high-level play in the trenches and on special teams.
This isn’t about giving up on Schoonmaker. It’s about maximizing what’s working right now. And right now, Spann-Ford is bringing more to the table.
If the Cowboys want to keep their offensive momentum rolling - and continue their push toward January football - they’d be wise to keep feeding Ferguson and start giving Spann-Ford a longer look. The tight end room in Dallas is evolving, and it’s clear who’s rising.