The Dallas Cowboys have long been known for unearthing hidden gems in the undrafted free agent pool, and tight end Michael Trigg represents one of their most intriguing bets heading into the 2026 season.
While many UDFAs battle simply to earn a practice squad spot, Trigg’s combination of elite athleticism, route-running polish, and the current state of the Cowboys’ tight end room positions him as a legitimate candidate not just to make the 53-man roster, but potentially to see significant snap. In fact, Bleacher Report’s Gary Davenport feels that Trigg could even see starting reps as early as Week 1.
Trigg’s journey to Dallas was anything but straightforward. A standout at Baylor in his final college season, where he hauled in 50 passes for nearly 700 yards and six touchdowns, he showcased the kind of dynamic receiving skills that turned heads across the NFL.
Scouts praised his ability to create mismatches as a hybrid tight end, using explosive movements off the line, nuanced route detail, and clean separations at the top of his routes to torment linebackers and safeties. At 6-foot-4 and around 240 pounds, he brings the size to compete in the trenches while possessing the speed and agility to stretch the field.
Yet talent alone didn’t guarantee a draft spot. Questions about consistency, including drops and concentration lapses, along with off-field issues such as multiple suspensions during a college career that spanned three schools, caused him to slip through the draft. Those red flags explain why he went undrafted, but they also underscore the high-upside gamble the Cowboys made by signing him. In a league where character and reliability matter immensely, Trigg now has the platform to prove his maturity and focus.
The Cowboys’ tight end depth chart offers Trigg a clearer path than most rookies encounter. Jake Ferguson remains the undisputed starter and a cornerstone of the offense, providing a reliable security blanket for Dak Prescott. Behind him, however, the picture is far less settled.
Veterans like Luke Schoonmaker, entering the final year of his deal, and Brevyn Spann-Ford are competing for backup roles, but neither has fully locked down the position with dominant play. Additional depth options like Princeton Fant add competition, yet the room lacks a proven, dynamic receiving threat beyond Ferguson.
This uncertainty creates an opening for Trigg. Early reports from minicamp and training camp have highlighted his ability to make flashy plays and contribute in the passing game right away. As a move tight end who excels detached from the formation, in motion, or on seam routes, he fits seamlessly into offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer’s scheme, which values versatility and mismatch creation.
If Trigg can demonstrate reliable blocking technique—something he continues to develop—and prove valuable on special teams, he could quickly climb the depth chart.
What makes a Week 1 starting nod plausible, even if not guaranteed, is Dallas’s preference for the best player available regardless of draft pedigree or contract status. Analysts have noted that a strong training camp performance from Trigg could pressure the team to prioritize him over higher-drafted but less explosive options. In 12 personnel sets or red-zone packages, his receiving prowess could force defenses into difficult choices, complementing stars like CeeDee Lamb and the running game.
Of course, the road isn’t without obstacles. Trigg must maintain focus throughout the grind of training camp and preseason, avoiding the pitfalls that marked his college days. Special teams contributions will likely be key to securing his roster spot initially, serving as a bridge to more prominent offensive duties. The Cowboys have shown willingness to move on from underperforming veterans if a rookie outperforms expectations, making this summer pivotal.
In many ways, Trigg embodies the NFL’s meritocratic ideal. Undrafted status provides extra motivation—a “chip on his shoulder” that players like him often channel into breakout performances. For the Cowboys, who rely on tight end versatility to stretch defenses and support a high-powered offense, securing a contributor like Trigg at minimal cost would be a coup.
As training camp intensifies, all eyes will be on how Trigg handles the physical and mental demands. If he catches the ball cleanly, stays disciplined, and shows growth as a complete player, don’t be surprised to see him lining up in meaningful snaps from the season’s opening game. The talent has always been there; now it’s about turning potential into production under the bright lights of Dallas.
