Cowboys may have quietly started preparing for life after their 2-time Pro Bowler

In the fast-paced and high-stakes world of professional football, every decision made by a team can have far-reaching consequences. This is especially true for the Dallas Cowboys, a team with a storied history and a passionate fan base. In the 2026 season, the Cowboys made a significant investment in their tight end position, spending a whopping $16.2 million on player salaries. However, despite this financial commitment, the performance of their tight ends, particularly Jake Ferguson, has been underwhelming. As the Cowboys struggle to compete in a brutal schedule, their rivals are beginning to question whether a complete rebuild of the tight end position is necessary.

The Dallas Cowboys have long been known for their high-powered offense, led by star quarterback Dak Prescott. In recent years, the team has relied heavily on their tight ends to provide an additional threat in the passing game. With the likes of Jason Witten and Blake Jarwin, the Cowboys have enjoyed success at the tight end position. However, as the 2026 season has progressed, it has become increasingly clear that the current crop of tight ends is not living up to expectations.

Jake Ferguson, in particular, has been a disappointment. Signed to a lucrative contract in the offseason, Ferguson was expected to be a key weapon in the Cowboys’ offense. However, he has struggled to make an impact on the field, with drops, missed assignments, and poor blocking plaguing his performances. As the losses have mounted, fans and analysts alike have begun to question whether Ferguson is the right fit for the team.

Adding to the Cowboys’ woes is their grueling 2026 schedule. With matchups against top teams like the Kansas City Chiefs, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Green Bay Packers, the Cowboys have faced an uphill battle from the start of the season. As the losses have piled up, the pressure on the team to make changes has only increased. With their rivals taking notice of the struggles at the tight end position, the Cowboys find themselves at a crossroads.

The question of whether to rebuild the tight end position is a complex one. On one hand, the Cowboys have invested heavily in their current players, both financially and in terms of draft picks. To abandon these investments now would be a difficult pill to swallow. However, the team’s performance on the field speaks for itself. With the offense sputtering and the defense struggling to keep up, something must change if the Cowboys are to salvage their season.

One possible solution is to look to the draft for a new tight end. With a deep pool of talent available in the upcoming draft class, the Cowboys could find a player who could step in and make an immediate impact. By selecting a dynamic playmaker at the position, the team could inject new life into their offense and provide Prescott with another weapon to exploit defenses.

Another option for the Cowboys is to explore the trade market. With teams around the league always looking to make deals, the Cowboys could potentially find a trade partner willing to part with a proven tight end. While this option would likely come at a cost, it could provide the team with a quick fix to their current woes.

Of course, the Cowboys could also choose to stick with their current players and hope for improvement. While this option is the least glamorous, it is also the least risky. With time and coaching, Ferguson and his fellow tight ends could turn things around and prove their doubters wrong. However, with each passing game, this option becomes less and less viable.

Ultimately, the decision to rebuild the tight end position will fall to the Dallas Cowboys’ front office. With the team’s season hanging in the balance, the pressure is on to make the right choice. Whether the Cowboys choose to invest in the draft, explore the trade market, or stick with their current players, one thing is clear: change is needed if the team is to compete at the highest level.

As the Cowboys navigate the rest of the 2026 season, the eyes of the football world will be on them. With rivals circling and fans clamoring for results, the team must find a way to right the ship. Whether that means rebuilding the tight end position from the ground up or sticking with the status quo remains to be seen. One thing is for certain, however: the Dallas Cowboys cannot afford to stand pat. The time for action is now.

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Source: Sporting News