While the Cowboys weren't exactly quiet during free agency this spring, there is still plenty of work to do for this team that finished 7-10 in 2024.
Not only did they add some key players in free agency and via trades, but they also re-signed some of the core depth as well.
Still, there are other guys on this team that must take that next step in order for the Cowboys to be successful in 2025.
Today, we'll continue the Next Man Up series with fullback Hunter Luepke.
- Name: Hunter Luepke
- Position: Fullback
- Experience: 3rd Year
- Games Played/Starts: 17 / 0
- Years Left on Contract: 0
- How Acquired: Undrafted Free Agent (North Dakota State)
- Key Stat: In Luepke's 33 career touches, he's converted 11 first downs. This past year, he caught 15 passes and 11 moved the chains.
The Past: Signed as a rookie free agent in 2023, Luepke appeared to be headed for the practice squad at the end of the preseason. But who says the final exhibition game is meaningless? Luepke made the most of his opportunity and had 118 total yards and a touchdown, helping him make the roster. Since then, he's played in 33 of 34 possible games and has shined in various roles such as a fullback, running back, tight end, H-back and of course, special teams. The one blemish on his career so far was a costly fumble against the Dolphins on the 1-yard line in the opening drive of a December game in 2023. Luepke had a productive drive before that fumble, but didn't get another carry that game or the rest of the season. Still, he bounced back in a major way last year.
The Present: Luepke's role with this new offensive system has yet to be determined, but his versatility will likely help his chances of making the team for a third year. With his ability to play some tight end/H-back, Luepke is always a candidate to be on the game-day roster, which is why he's only missed one game in his career. From his ability to carry the ball in short-yardage situations, to his knack for getting the first down on the catch, Luepke has become a reliable option in many ways.
The Future: Players who have a role on special teams, but can always get 10-12 offensive snaps in the game, usually find a place on the roster. That's why Luepke could have an extensive career. This is a big season for Luepke, who will be an exclusive rights free agent at the end of the season. The Cowboys most definitely want to run the football this year in Brian Schottenheimer's offense and while the Cowboys have acquired Miles Sanders and Jovante Williams and could even draft a running back early in the upcoming NFL Draft, there could be a role for Luepke, based on his versatility to line up across the field.
