Every NFL offseason brings a fresh wave of underdog stories, and for the Dallas Cowboys, one name is already generating serious buzz: undrafted free agent Michael Trigg. The towering 6-foot-4 tight end out of Baylor has quickly become a fan favorite, earning the nickname "go-go-gadget" for his remarkable 7-foot-plus wingspan that makes him look like a basketball player on the gridiron. Trigg turned heads during a five-year college career split between USC, Ole Miss, and Baylor, hauling in 14 career touchdowns—including six last season alone. Rated as a potential fifth-round prospect by The Athletic, his athleticism is undeniable. Now, the question is whether he can translate those highlight-reel catches into a roster spot during training camp in Oxnard.
But Trigg isn't the only storyline shaping up for the Cowboys as they look ahead to 2026. This year's draft class was all about defense, and Dallas nailed it in the first three rounds. After snagging safety Caleb Downs and edge rusher Malachi Lawrence in Round 1, the Cowboys added versatile linebacker/edge Jaishawn Barham out of Michigan in Round 3—a pick that ESPN's Matt Miller ranked as the 30th best of the entire draft. Barham, who transitioned from linebacker to edge rusher in 2025, thrived in a pro-style system and brings a disruptive presence that could make Dallas's nickel defense a nightmare for opponents. Pair him with Downs in the box, and opposing offenses will have their hands full.
From undrafted gems to draft-day steals, the Cowboys are building a roster that blends raw talent with proven production. Whether Trigg can earn his stripes and join the 53-man roster remains to be seen, but one thing's for sure: America's Team is stacking up players who know how to make plays—and that's always good news for fans and their game-day gear.
