Just before the draft, Stephen Jones declared that the Cowboys aren’t done with 2022 free agency. If Dallas is looking to add more talent before training camp, tight end is one spot that could have a need and has some experienced veterans available to fill it.
Dalton Schultz will be back on the franchise tag and perhaps longer if everyone can agree on a long-term deal. But TE depth took a hit when Blake Jarwin was released in March, mostly because the team feared he may not be able to play at all in 2022 after surgery for an unusual hip condition.
That left prospect Sean McKeon and veteran blocker Jeremy Sprinkle as the only backup candidates for next season. The Cowboys did spend a 4th-round pick on Wisconsin’ Jake Ferguson last Saturday, but even then there’s still reasonable doubt about the reserves behind Schultz.
If Dallas looks to the free agent market they’ll find some experienced veterans who’ve had their moments in the NFL. Leading the pack is Eric Ebron, the former 10th-overall pick in 2014 who’s still just 29 years old. Some other options include Jesse James, Kyle Rudolph, and Tyler Kroft.
You’re right to ask, “So why haven’t these guys been signed yet?” That’s a good question any time you get to May and players remain available. And this group certainly has legitimate causes for concern.
Ebron finished the year on injured reserve after a knee injury ended his 2021 campaign in Pittsburgh. Even before the injury the veteran had lost his primary role to rookie Pat Freiermuth, causing him to enter free agency this year with declining production on top of the injury.
Still, Ebron claims to be fully healthy and ready to help an offense this season. He has the most upside of the available options and should be affordable at this later point in the offseason.
Another former Steeler, but more recently a Lion and Bear, Jesse James has seen his production go down in backup roles. But even with plenty of experience and on competitive teams during his Pittsburgh days, James is still just 28 and could be an excellent TE2 in the right offense.
Tyler Kroft has never been a standout but he’s an experienced backup and still just 29. He got significant playing time in 2017 due to Tyler Eifert’s injury woes, starting all 16 games and posting 404 yards and seven touchdowns in the TE1 role.
Kyle Rudolph spent a quiet year with the Giants after his long tenure in Minnesota. Turning 33 in November, the former Pro Bowler is slowing down but could still help in a reduced role and be a great mentor for the younger guys, including Dalton Schultz, in Dallas’ TE room.
Some may view any veterans like these as potential “progress stoppers” for McKeon or Ferguson, and that’s certainly something to consider. But if something happened to Schultz this season, how much would the current lack of TE depth stunt the Cowboys’ offense?
Given that Blake Jarwin was an undrafted player himself, Dallas may be fine allowing McKeon, Ferguson, and Sprinkle it battle it out and form the rest of the depth chart. But if the Cowboys are still looking to get stronger through free agency, tight end is a spot where they may find some significant help at a bargain.
