FRISCO, Texas — 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 7-9-1 in 2025.
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 2026.
Today, we'll continue the Next Man Up series with tight end Brevyn Spann-Ford.
- Name: Brevyn Spann-Ford
- Position: Tight end
- Experience: 2
- Games Played/Starts: 34/5
- Years Left on Contract: 2
- How Acquired: 2024 undrafted free agent
- Key Stat: Career-high 90 receiving yards, first career touchdown in 2025
The Past: In six seasons at Minnesota, Spann-Ford only scored seven career touchdowns, but made a name for himself as one of the best blocking tight ends in the country. He was not drafted in the 2024 NFL Draft, but was signed with the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent. In his rookie season, Spann-Ford found his way onto the field as a blocker on offense and a special teamer. In the run game, the Cowboys would often run behind Spann-Ford and the attached tackle that was set to execute blocks with him, which has been a big strong suit of his game at the NFL level thus far.
The Present: In 2025, Spann-Ford continued to have a role in Dallas' run game as a blocker but really flashed as a key contributor to Dallas' special teams. It was evident especially on kickoff coverage, recording 20 total tackles on the year. In the receiving game, Spann-Ford recorded a career high 90 receiving yards on nine catches and scored his first career touchdown against the Eagles in AT&T Stadium.
The Future: The big question for Spann-Ford is the same one that's been looming for him since last season. How much can he improve as a receiver? At 6'7, 270 pounds, Spann-Ford is a huge target for the quarterback and if he improves his catching ability, can see an uptick in snaps on offense because of it. The 2026 season will be a big one for Spann-Ford, who is in the final year of his contract. Not only that, but fellow tight end Luke Schoonmaker is also in the final year of his rookie deal. Are the Cowboys only going to keep only one going forward? Neither, or both? Who knows, but the need to prove it in 2026 is still there for Spann-Ford.
