Cowboys' Spann-Ford Looks to Unlock Receiving Potential in 2026

Undrafted tight end aims to build on breakout 2025 season and secure future with Dallas.

Apr. 12, 2026 at 5:40pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a football player in motion, their body broken down into sharp, overlapping shapes in a palette of navy, green, and orange, conveying the conceptual idea of a player unlocking new offensive potential.A cubist interpretation of a Cowboys tight end's potential to emerge as a dynamic receiving threat.Dallas Today

Brevyn Spann-Ford, an undrafted free agent tight end for the Dallas Cowboys, is poised to play a key role in the team's 2026 season. After establishing himself as a strong blocker and special teams contributor in his first two NFL seasons, Spann-Ford showed promise as a receiver in 2025, recording a career-high 90 yards and his first touchdown. With the Cowboys facing decisions on their tight end group, the 2026 campaign will be crucial for Spann-Ford to prove he can be a reliable pass-catching threat and secure his future in Dallas.

Why it matters

Spann-Ford's development as a receiver could be pivotal for the Cowboys' offense in 2026. As the team evaluates its tight end depth chart, Spann-Ford's ability to emerge as a dual-threat option would make him a valuable asset and potentially earn him a long-term role.

The details

After six seasons at the University of Minnesota where he was known primarily as a blocking tight end, Spann-Ford signed with the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2024. In his first two NFL seasons, the 6'7", 270-pound Spann-Ford carved out a niche on special teams and as a run-blocking tight end. However, in 2025 he showed flashes of being able to contribute in the passing game, recording 9 catches for 90 yards and his first career touchdown.

  • Spann-Ford signed with the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2024.
  • In the 2025 season, Spann-Ford had a career-high 90 receiving yards and scored his first NFL touchdown.
  • The 2026 season will be a crucial year for Spann-Ford as the Cowboys evaluate their tight end depth chart.

The players

Brevyn Spann-Ford

A 6'7", 270-pound tight end for the Dallas Cowboys who is looking to build on a breakout 2025 season and secure his future with the team.

Luke Schoonmaker

Another tight end on the Cowboys' roster who, along with Spann-Ford, is in the final year of his contract in 2026.

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What’s next

The Cowboys must decide whether to keep Spann-Ford, Schoonmaker, or neither as part of their tight end group for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

Spann-Ford's development as a receiving threat could be crucial for the Cowboys' offense in 2026. If he can continue to improve his pass-catching skills, he could solidify a long-term role with the team and become a valuable weapon in their passing attack.