​Every year there’s at least one undrafted rookie who Cowboys fans latch onto, and in 2026 that spotlight falls on Baylor’s Michael Trigg. With high projections for his role and potential at tight end, Trigg has captured considerable attention as an NFL rookie with zero pro seasons under his belt.
Contract and entrance into the league: Trigg joined the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2026, carrying no NFL experience prior to signing. Dallas quickly moved to secure him, including roughly $280,000 in guaranteed money, a figure notable enough to stand out among UDFA contracts. That guaranteed amount is nearly three times the $105,000 that fellow UDFA Jordan Hudson received, underscoring the Cowboys’ intrigue and investment in Trigg’s upside.
The archetype and scouting profile: Trigg embodies the modern tight end prototype—long arms, athletic frame, and a receiving-first skill set. He was considered one of the more dynamic receiving options in the 2026 draft class and boasted an impressive highlight reel. Those attributes, however, were tempered by concerns about off-field issues and a particularly deep tight end class, factors that contributed to him going undrafted.
Character and maturity notes: There have been multiple disciplinary incidents and other signals of immaturity that clouded Trigg’s pre-draft evaluation. Before transferring to Baylor in 2024, he spent time at Ole Miss and faced a one-game suspension there. In his first year with the Bears, he received another suspension, and last year he was involved in a sideline dispute with Baylor’s athletic director over a clothing violation. Beyond these incidents, reports noted inconsistent practice habits and academic challenges. Despite these concerns, there were meaningful signs of growth in his final college season.
College performance and accolades: Trigg’s senior year at Baylor marked his best output, with 50 receptions for 694 yards and six touchdowns. He earned First-Team All-Big 12 honors and was one of three finalists for the John Mackey Award, which is awarded to the nation’s premier tight end. At 24 years old, he enters the NFL as an older rookie who fans hope has matured and refined his game to translate his college ceiling into professional production.
Projected role and roster dynamics: Trigg enters Cowboys camp with more hype than the typical UDFA, but sustaining that momentum will be the key challenge. If he can make a consistent impact, he could influence the tight end depth chart beyond the starter, Jake Ferguson. The current TE2 competition has been fairly tight, with Brevyn Spann-Ford showing signals of surpassing Luke Schoonmaker by the end of last season. Spann-Ford’s edge was not overwhelming, leaving room for ongoing competition this summer. Trigg’s path likely hinges on special teams value and reliable contributions on offense.
Cap implications and competition considerations: Schoonmaker, who has an expiring contract, turns 28 in September. Dallas has the potential to clear about $1.6 million in cap space if Schoonmaker is released, which could aid in rolling over funds into 2027. Trigg’s best chance to remain in Dallas hinges on establishing himself as a dependable contributor in both the kicking game and offense. If he proves capable of regular-season contributions, the Cowboys would have a compelling case to keep him over a veteran with a higher cap hit, even if that veteran previously carried a higher draft pedigree.
Roster projections and fourth-tight-end possibility: Dallas likely limits the tight end room to three unless an unforeseen development occurs. With fullback Hunter Luepke in the mix, a fourth tight end feels unlikely, though the NFL can always throw a curveball. If Trigg can demonstrate versatility, playmaking ability, and consistent special-teams value, he could carve out a meaningful role and offer upside that makes him a valuable addition to a growing roster.
In sum, Michael Trigg’s 2026 entry into the NFL is a story of high potential tempered by past discipline concerns, now tested by the realities of professional football. The Cowboys’ investment signals belief in his growth trajectory, and his progress during training camp and the preseason will determine whether he becomes a contributing piece on offense, special teams, or remains a developmental project. If he can translate his college upside into reliable NFL performance, his upside for the Cowboys could be substantial.