Cowboys’ TE competition will be battle of apples, oranges

“May the best man win.” It’s a statement typically made before a competition of peers. In the NFL, it’s a common sentiment when players within a certain position group compete for roster spots. Draft status, age and salary all play a part in the final determination, but more often than not, roster spots are given to the better player on the field.

If the Cowboys are trying to keep four on their roster, it’s a battle between tight ends. Other positions on the team play a part, but generally it’s one TE competing against all the other TEs in order to claim a top-four status. On paper it looks like a straightforward battle that will reward the top performers of the position group. A deeper look shows a more complicated battle being waged where it’s not the best option who will win, but rather the right option.

TE is naturally a complicated position group. Regarded as part offensive linemen and part receiver, NFL TEs are a hybrid of positions where pass catching and blocking hold major roles within the job description.

Ideally the TE candidates will each have an even proportion of ability in both of the aforementioned skillsets. But things are rarely that easy and in the case of the Cowboys 2024 TE group, things are actually quite the opposite.