The Dallas Cowboys are navigating another critical offseason, balancing roster construction with salary cap management. While the team has made strategic moves to create flexibility, the post-June 1 period often brings difficult decisions. After this date, releasing veterans allows teams to spread dead money across two seasons, making it easier to part ways with high-salary players who no longer fit the vision.
Although the front office hasn’t signaled specific cuts, several names are emerging as potential post-June 1 candidates. Here is an analytical look at three players whose futures in Dallas appear uncertain heading into the new league year.
Luke Schoonmaker, Tight End
The 2023 second-round pick out of Michigan was once viewed as a building block at the tight end position. However, through three seasons, Schoonmaker has struggled to carve out a consistent role behind Jake Ferguson. In his most recent campaign, he recorded just 14 receptions for 132 yards.
With emerging talents like Brevyn Spann-Ford, Princeton Fant, and undrafted free agent Michael Trigg—all receiving positive buzz in camp—Schoonmaker finds himself on the roster bubble. Releasing him could free up approximately $1.6 million in cap space. While not a classic post-June 1 casualty due to his relatively modest contract, his path to making the final 53-man roster appears increasingly narrow.
Malik Hooker, Safety
Malik Hooker’s situation is more complex. The veteran safety had his contract restructured in March, freeing up roughly $2 million in immediate cap space. This move suggested the Cowboys intended to keep him as a starter alongside new addition Jalen Thompson.
However, the defensive scheme under new coordinator Christian Parker and the development of young talent could shift priorities. Rookie Caleb Downs is expected to see significant snaps, primarily in the slot, but any decline in Hooker’s play could open the door for P.J. Locke, whom Parker knows well from their time in Denver. While Hooker remains a solid contributor, his future may depend on how the safety room evolves in training camp and preseason.
KaVontae Turpin, Wide Receiver/Kick Returner
Of the three, a potential move on KaVontae Turpin would be the most surprising. The dynamic playmaker earned a three-year, $13.5 million extension after breaking out as both a receiver and return specialist. He was slated for an expanded offensive role in 2025, yet his production saw a slight dip, and special teams issues—particularly fair catch penalties—drew public comment from Jerry Jones.
Analysts have noted the logjam at wide receiver and the potential for rookie Jaydon Blue to assume primary kick return duties. Releasing Turpin would save around $3.4 million, but many view this as unlikely given his past impact and the relatively modest savings. Still, if competition intensifies and performance concerns linger, his spot may be less secure than once thought.
Bottom Line
These potential moves reflect the Cowboys’ ongoing effort to optimize the roster amid cap constraints. None are guaranteed, and the organization has shown a willingness to restructure deals rather than outright release productive veterans. However, the post-June 1 window provides financial breathing room that could tempt Dallas to make tough calls.
Fans should watch training camp closely. Roster battles at tight end, safety, and in the return game will likely determine whether these names remain in Dallas or become the latest cap casualties in a league where financial reality often overrides sentiment. The coming weeks could deliver real surprises on the cutting room floor.
