The 2025 offseason is about to begin for the Dallas Cowboys, and that means it is gut-check time for some players.
Granted, this is only the early portion of the offseason workout period, but for some, it is far more important than others, with the chance to bank some good days of production before mandatory minicamp and then training camp in July.
When Dallas hits the grass at The Star to begin OTAs, one player will catch our attention: Luke Schoonmaker.
The former second-round pick will be entering his third season, and aside from a couple of flashes, one can easily say he's underwhelmed. But there's been a reason for that.
In each of his two offseasons, "Schoon" has been sidelined with injury, which sets him back, and he doesn't get to build the foundation for his season.
"The biggest emphasis for him going forward this offseason is to get on the grass," tight ends coach Lunda Wells said in February. "This will be the first time, hopefully, that he's on the grass during OTAs, and I think that'll be excellent for him to continue to progress."
Nov 18, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (0) and Houston Texans safety Jalen Pitre (5) tackle Dallas Cowboys tight end Luke Schoonmaker (86) during the second half at AT&T Stadium.
Nov 18, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (0) and Houston Texans safety Jalen Pitre (5) tackle Dallas Cowboys tight end Luke Schoonmaker (86) during the second half at AT&T Stadium.
© Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
So Wells already knows how crucial it is for Luke to get on the grass, get the reps, and build his confidence ahead of a defining season. Injuries only stall progress, and that has certainly been the case with Luke.
He'll also have a new head coach/offensive coordinator in Brian Schottenheimer, and maybe this will be the change the young tight end needs.
"Still have a bunch of confidence in him, he's just got to be more consistent on a day-to-day [basis]," Schottenheimer said in November.
So consistency is key, and if Schoonmaker can avoid seeing the treatment room more than the field, he might set himself up for a good season. After all, Jake Ferguson is a free agent after 2025, so there might be a chance for him to take over that role.
But only if he proves he's worthy.
And that starts at OTAs.