2 Cowboys in danger of getting cut after 2026 minicamp

While the Dallas Cowboys still deal with the aftermath of the Micah Parsons trade, they have a young player looking sharp so far. But tough choices have to be made this summer, and here are two Cowboys in danger of getting cut after the 2026 minicamp.

It’s not a surprise that one of the players would come from the secondary, after free agent signings and the draft. The other one comes from the offensive side of the football. Safety Markquese Bell and tight end Luke Schoonmaker appear to be on the hot seat. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer and the Cowboys may have to make tough calls.

Cowboys could cut S Markquese Bell

The Cowboys signed Bell as a free agent back in 2022. He appeared in five games as a rookie and then made eight starts in the 2023 season. However, over the last two years combined, he has been in the starting lineup only three times.

His 94 tackles in 2023 stand as the high mark of his career. Last year, he made 41 stops. But things are working against Bell, heading into 2026, according to Bleacher Report.

“The Dallas Cowboys invested in their safety group at a premium, signing Jalen Thompson to a three-year, $33 million deal and drafting Caleb Downs with the No. 11 overall pick,” Moe Moton wrote. “Both will likely start Week 1. According to Clarence Hill Jr. of DLLS Sports, the Cowboys revised the final year of Malik Hooker’s deal. That’s an indicator he’ll remain on the roster.

“In 2025, Markquese Bell … (played) 32 percent of the defensive snaps. But he may be fourth among safeties on the depth chart. The 27-year-old is also facing felony and misdemeanor drug charges stemming from an April arrest, as first reported by ESPN, and the case remains ongoing.”

Here are the details, according to ESPN.

“Dallas Cowboys safety Markquese Bell has been arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance and marijuana, according to Collin County jail records,” Todd Archer wrote in April. “The arrest was made Friday by Prosper (Texas) police. The possession of a controlled substance is a felony, while the marijuana possession is Class B misdemeanor.

“The arresting officer smelled marijuana after Bell was pulled over on Friday night. A search of his vehicle uncovered less than 2 ounces of marijuana and a THC electronic cigarette before he was arrested and charged, according to police.”

That’s baggage for a team that has serious designs on winning big in 2026.

Cowboys have up-and-coming players in the secondary

It doesn’t mean Bell will be cut. But with upgrades like Caleb Downs and Jalen Thompson, Bell certainly fits on the hot seat.

Downs came to the Cowboys as the No. 11 overall pick. And he’s already making noise, according to dallascowboys.com.

“True young pro,” quarterback Dak Prescott said. “Super, super excited for him. Young career, long career ahead of him. I could talk about him honestly all day. I’ve gotten a chance to spend some time with him here, golfed with him outside of the facility. He’s wired the right way. Super excited for him to be on that defense, to lead the defense, not just the defense, this team. He’s a good example of that whole rookie class. They all follow his lead to that extent. Impressed, very impressed.”

TE Luke Schoonmaker has to prove it

The biggest problem for Schoonmaker is competition. The former second-round pick must fight off guys like Brevyn Spann-Ford and Princeton Fant. Currently, Schoonmaker is listed as the backup to starter Jake Ferguson.

But there’s another name in the mix. Undrafted free agent Michael Trigg is making noise, according to a post on X by SleeperCowboys.

“Brian Schottenheimer on TE Michael Trigg: ‘We’ve all seen the highlight reel catches and things that he did at Baylor—it’s impressive. You talk about a guy that can stretch the field vertically, and make game-changing ‘wow’ type plays attacking the middle of the field.’ ”

Another issue for Schoonmaker is production. He made 13 starts over the last two seasons. However, it only played out for 41 catches in 59 targets. He totaled 373 yards and scored just one touchdown. Nothing to see here, folks.

And yet another factor is cap savings. If Trigg is the equivalent of Schoonmaker, the Cowboys could save $1.6 million by moving on from Schoonmaker, according to overthecap.com.

Another thing that could work against Schoonmaker is the overall talent on the Cowboys’ offense. It’s hard to even stand out in practices with so much talent on the field.

One thing working in Schoonmaker’s favor is that Schottenheimer has stated that the Cowboys are solid at the tight end position. And for now, that includes Schoonmaker.

The Cowboys are serious about getting into the playoffs and making noise in 2026. And that makes competition crisp and tough in the preseason. Schoonmaker and Bell will have to fight hard to continue wearing the star.

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