Dallas Cowboys Boast NFC East’s Top Tight End Group, But Is It Enough?

May 19, 2025 – The Dallas Cowboys are gearing up for the 2025 NFL season with a formidable offensive lineup, particularly at the tight end position, where they’ve been ranked as the best in the NFC East. With the dynamic duo of Jake Ferguson and Luke Schoonmaker, complemented by offensive weapons like CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, the Cowboys appear to have built an unstoppable attack. However, the question remains: Is this powerhouse offense enough to propel “America’s Team” back to the top after a disappointing 2024 season?

Tight End Dominance in the NFC East

According to the latest rankings from Athlon Sports, the Cowboys lead the NFC East at the tight end position, outshining rivals like the Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Commanders, and New York Giants. Jake Ferguson, one of the NFL’s premier tight ends, remains a cornerstone with his reliable hands and ability to create space for teammates. In the 2024 season, Ferguson recorded 65 receptions, 850 yards, and 7 touchdowns, establishing himself as a go-to target for quarterback Dak Prescott.

Meanwhile, Luke Schoonmaker, primarily a backup, has shown promise with his exceptional blocking skills and knack for making catches in critical moments. The combination of Ferguson and Schoonmaker gives the Cowboys unmatched versatility, allowing them to execute both short passing plays and effective run-blocking schemes. Head coach Mike McCarthy praised the pair in an ESPN interview earlier this month, calling them “the backbone of our offense.”

Compared to their NFC East rivals, the Cowboys hold a clear edge. The Eagles’ Dallas Goedert is a well-rounded tight end but lacks depth in support. The Commanders’ Zach Ertz and Ben Sinnott offer a balanced mix of experience and potential, but they fall short of Dallas’ depth. The Giants’ Theo Johnson and Daniel Bellinger, meanwhile, are too inexperienced to pose a significant threat. With Ferguson and Schoonmaker, the Cowboys not only dominate now but also have room to grow in the future.

Explosive Offense with Lamb and Pickens

The tight end group is just one piece of the Cowboys’ offensive puzzle. The acquisition of George Pickens from the Pittsburgh Steelers in a blockbuster trade in early May 2025 has elevated their attack to new heights. Pickens, with 174 receptions, 2,841 yards, and 12 touchdowns during his tenure with the Steelers, brings speed and elite contested-catch ability. Paired with CeeDee Lamb, who led the NFL with 1,749 yards and 135 receptions in 2023, the Cowboys now boast a wide receiver tandem that can overwhelm any defense.

Quarterback Dak Prescott is reaping the benefits of this upgraded arsenal. Speaking on 1310 The Ticket, Prescott expressed excitement about working with Pickens, describing him as “a warrior in the air” who “treats every ball as his own.” With Lamb, Pickens, Ferguson, and Schoonmaker, the Cowboys have a diverse group of playmakers capable of executing a wide range of strategies, from deep passes to short, precise attacks.

But Is It Enough?

Despite the hype surrounding their offense, the bigger question is whether this firepower will be sufficient to overcome the challenges awaiting the Cowboys in 2025. The 2024 season was a letdown, with a 7-10 record that saw the team miss the playoffs and raised doubts about their ability to contend. While the offense has been bolstered, several hurdles could hinder their path to success:

1. Defensive Struggles: While the offense shines, the Cowboys’ defense remains a concern. In 2024, they allowed an average of 28 points per game in losses, a troubling statistic. Without significant improvements in stopping opposing offenses, Dallas may struggle against powerhouses like the San Francisco 49ers or Kansas City Chiefs.
2. Financial Pressure from Prescott’s Contract: Dak Prescott’s $240 million contract is a massive financial commitment. While he remains a top-tier quarterback, the expectations tied to his deal and the resulting salary cap constraints could limit the Cowboys’ ability to bolster other areas, particularly the defense.
3. Fierce NFC East Competition: Despite leading at tight end, the Cowboys face tough competition within their division. The Eagles, powered by Jalen Hurts and Saquon Barkley, boast a formidable rushing attack. The Commanders, led by Jayden Daniels, are emerging as a new threat. Even the Giants, though weaker, are showing signs of improvement with quarterback Jaxson Dart. Navigating this gauntlet will be no easy task.

The Road Ahead

The Dallas Cowboys have assembled one of the NFL’s most explosive offenses, with their tight end group setting the standard in the NFC East. Jake Ferguson and Luke Schoonmaker, alongside stars like CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, give Dak Prescott an arsenal that few teams can match. Yet, football is a team sport, and offensive prowess alone may not be enough to overcome defensive shortcomings, financial pressures, and a highly competitive division.

As the 2025 season approaches, the Cowboys must address these challenges to translate their offensive dominance into wins. Fans are hopeful, but only time will tell if this star-studded lineup can lead Dallas back to the promised land—or if they’ll fall short once again.