Schoonmaker is facing a defining season, and his quarterback has told him in no uncertain terms what he has to do to stand out amid a flurry of potential contract talks next offseason.
Tight end Luke Schoonmaker hasn't been the player fans or the Dallas Cowboys had hoped he would be when the franchise selected him in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
Granted, Schoonmaker was drafted as more of a blocking tight end, rather than a receiving one, but what he has dished up in the passing game has left a lot to be desired.
In his three seasons, Schoonmaker has produced just 438 yards and 3 TDs from 49 receptions, hardly second-round worthy.
Last season, his offensive snaps dropped while his special-teams snaps increased, leading to Brevyn Spann-Ford overtaking him as the backup tight end to Jake Ferguson.
Now, as Schoonmaker enters the final year of his contract, many think that this will be his last year as a Cowboy.
As our Mike Fisher says, "They don't want to cut a second-round pick who's on a guaranteed contract. But in terms of performance? 'Schoony' should be in danger and on the roster bubble.''
But when so many other players set to hit the negotiation table next offseason, how does Luke make sure he gets a set?
His quarterback, Dak Prescott just outlined what he's got to do.
"He's just got to show up," Dak said. "It's up to the coaches, Lunda Wells, I can tell you that group in there, each and every one of those guys want to play. It's a fortunate position that a couple of them get to play, but he's just got to go in there and do right each and every day.
"Make sure that he's bringing the energy, catch every ball that's thrown to him, block with the physicality that he has, use his big frame and make sure that anytime his numbers call, you just got to step up. The more you do that, the more opportunities you get."
There is no denying that Schoonmaker hasn't lived up to his draft status, and with Brian Schottenheimer using him more on special teams than offense last year, even with Jake Ferguson averaging just 7.1 yards per reception and underwhelming in that aspect, Luke still couldn't get on the field.
Even our own Mike Fisher stated that Spann-Ford has looked better at mandatory minicamp as well, so it doesn't bode well for Schoonmaker in what is a crucial year for his Dallas career.
Oxnard will be key in Schoonmaker showing the coaching staff he is worthy of more offensive snaps, but with Spann-Ford clearly TE2 right now, it is going to take something substantial for him to move up the depth chart.
And make ticking off every item on Prescott's checklist is a great place to start.
