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 tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford.
- Name: Brevyn Spann-Ford
- Position: Tight End
- Experience: 2nd Year
- Games Played/Starts: 17 / 0
- Years Left on Contract: 2
- How Acquired: Undrafted Free Agent (Minnesota)
- Key Stat: One of two rookies (Marist Liufau) to play in all 17 games for the Cowboys in 2024.
The Past: If there's one thing we know about Cowboys tight end coach Lunda Wells, he's going to not only find an undrafted tight end prospect, but develop him to the point he can contribute. Spann-Ford was the third straight undrafted tight end signed by the Cowboys (Peyton Hendershot, John Stephens) that were added to the team that has made the roster. Stephens' injury last year opened the door for Spann-Ford to get on the field early and he never got replaced, playing every game last year. Spann-Ford was one of six offensive players to play in every game and the only one on offense.
The Present: Spann-Ford was able to play every game last year because he was reliable blocker who could occasionally get open and make plays, but he wasn't the first or even second option on many plays. He caught nine passes for 88 yards with a long of 18 yards. But being a playmaker is where Spann-Ford can take the next step in his game. It won't be easy this year with both Jake Ferguson and Luke Schoonmaker still young players ahead of him on the depth chart.
The Future: The reason Spann-Ford got here is also the reason he can't get complacent. The Cowboys won't stop looking for young, talented tight ends, which means Spann-Ford will have to likely win another roster battle to stay on the 53 this year. It doesn't look like Ferguson and Schoonmaker will go anywhere right now and with Stephens coming back from injury, plus the Cowboys likely to add a couple more rookie tight ends, Spann-Ford will have his work cut out for him. But at 6-6, 260, he does have an advantage in size that others usually don't. If he can continue to be a rock-solid run-blocker with a playmaker-element added to his game, he could be a player that has a role on this team for years to come.
