Dallas Cowboys Add Local Products Michael Trigg and DJ Rogers to Tight End Room
The Dallas Cowboys have taken their first step toward addressing a key weakness from the 2025 season by signing undrafted free agent tight ends Michael Trigg from Baylor and DJ Rogers from TCU. Both players were among the top 25 tight ends in the 2026 draft class, and their early additions signal the organization's intent to revamp a position group that was inconsistent and underperforming throughout last year.
While these moves may not make immediate headlines, they reflect a deliberate strategy by general manager Will McClay and the Cowboys' front office to develop raw talent with local ties rather than rely on expensive veteran free agents. By investing in promising young players from prominent Texas programs, the team hopes to uncover valuable contributors through competition and development.
Why the Tight End Room Needed Help
The Cowboys' tight end group was a glaring deficiency in 2025, hampering both the passing and rushing attacks. The offense often seemed constrained by a lack of reliable targets over the middle, especially in red zone situations where a dependable tight end can create matchup problems for opposing defenses. This limitation allowed defenders to focus coverage on outside receivers and more easily contain the rushing game.
On the blocking front, the tight ends struggled to consistently hold the edge or chip pass rushers, putting additional pressure on the offensive line and reducing effectiveness in both pass protection and run blocking schemes. Multiple personnel combinations were tried throughout the season, but none brought stability or key production.
This backdrop sets the stage for adding Trigg and Rogers. Neither is a guaranteed NFL starter, but both bring complementary skill sets and potential to fill the void in Dallas's tight end room.
Michael Trigg: High-Ceiling Pass Catcher from Baylor
Michael Trigg's collegiate journey included stops at Ole Miss and USC before he found a home at Baylor, where he emerged as a dynamic pass-catcher during the 2025 season. Known for his exceptional hands and catch radius, Trigg excels at high-pointing the football in contested situations--a trait highly valued in today's NFL offenses.
He also possesses surprising speed and athleticism for his frame, allowing the Cowboys to envision him stretching defenses vertically and creating seams in coverage. While his upside is significant, his path to sustained NFL success depends on overcoming past injury concerns and improving his blocking ability, areas where the Cowboys' coaching and training staff will invest considerable effort.
If Trigg can stay healthy and develop as a blocker, he has the talent to become a valuable weapon in Dallas's passing game.
DJ Rogers: The Local Product with Two-Way Potential
TCU's DJ Rogers offers a more traditional, physical tight end profile. He's a tough, hardworking player who brings a balance of solid hands, intelligent route-running, and above all, effective blocking. His grit and football IQ set him apart, as he demonstrates a clear understanding of defensive schemes and an ability to find exploitable weaknesses in zone coverages.
Rogers's blocking prowess is particularly important for a Cowboys offense that struggled to sustain its running game last season due in part to insufficient tight end support. He may have a smoother transition to contributing early in the NFL given his willingness and ability to engage defenders in the trenches immediately.
While not as athletically flashy as Trigg, Rogers's versatility and toughness give him a promising opportunity to compete for a roster spot.
Impact on the Depth Chart
With Trigg and Rogers entering the mix, Dallas's tight end room becomes noticeably more competitive. Incumbents will need to defend their roles as the coaching staff evaluates who can provide the best blend of receiving skills and blocking effectiveness to fit the team's scheme.
As undrafted free agents, Trigg and Rogers start behind in terms of job security and will need to impress through offseason workouts, training camp, and preseason action. Nevertheless, these signings reflect the Cowboys' belief that each player has the potential to carve out a meaningful role--whether on special teams, in two-tight end sets, or as situational pass catchers.
In a league increasingly valuing versatile tight ends, the arrival of these two rookies could mark the beginning of revitalizing a group that's been a relative weak point for Dallas.
Larger Offseason Strategy
The addition of Trigg and Rogers fits into the Cowboys' broader approach to roster building--festering young talent through the draft and undrafted free agency rather than chasing costly veterans in free agency. This philosophy, championed by GM Will McClay, prioritizes long-term cost control and cultivating players whose skills and character fit the team's culture and schemes.
Given that the market for veteran tight ends remains costly and unpredictable, shoring up the depth chart with promising rookie free agents is an efficient way to address a deficiency without significant financial risk.
While undrafted free agent signings are inherently uncertain, Dallas's history of identifying and developing overlooked talent provides optimism that at least one of these new tight ends could contribute sooner rather than later.
Final Thoughts
The Cowboys face an important rebuilding phase at tight end after a disappointing 2025 campaign, and these signings are just the opening moves. Michael Trigg brings tantalizing playmaking potential tempered by questions about health and blocking, while DJ Rogers offers a physical, high-IQ style that complements the offense's needs.
If either player can develop into a dependable contributor, Dallas's investment in the 2026 undrafted tight end class will prove to be a savvy addition. Fans should watch closely this summer as the battle for roster spots in the position group heats up--there is a real chance one or both local prospects make an impact.
Ultimately, the Cowboys are banking on talent, development, and competition to turn a weakness into a strength. In today's NFL, that's often the best recipe for sustained success.