Cowboys Strike Fast After Draft, Land Top UDFA Prospect
The Dallas Cowboys wasted no time after the 2026 NFL Draft concluded in Pittsburgh. Minutes after Mr. Irrelevant was selected, Dallas secured what many scouts considered the best undrafted free agent available: Baylor tight end Michael Trigg. The signing represents a calculated gamble on elite physical talent paired with off-field question marks.
Trigg’s fall out of the draft surprised observers who watched him dominate at Baylor. His combination of size, production, and athletic traits typically commands Day 2 or early Day 3 investment. Instead, Dallas gets a potential steal without spending draft capital.
Elite Measurables Set Trigg Apart
Trigg’s physical profile reads like a tight end prototype. At 6-foot-4 and 240 pounds, he possesses the frame NFL teams covet. His measurables elevate him into rare territory among tight end prospects tracked since 2011.
His 34.25-inch arms rank in the 91st percentile for the position. His 10.5-inch hands match that elite percentile. Most impressive: a wingspan exceeding seven feet places him in the 99th percentile. Scouts at Baylor’s Pro Day praised his “go-go gadget arms” and ability to pluck passes out of the air with ease.
| Measurement | Value | Percentile (TE Prospects Since 2011) |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 6-4 | — |
| Weight | 240 lbs | — |
| Arm Length | 34.25 inches | 91st |
| Hand Size | 10.5 inches | 91st |
| Wingspan | 7+ feet | 99th |
These measurements translate to highlight-reel catches. Trigg’s catch radius and ball-tracking ability make him a red-zone weapon. His wingspan allows him to win contested catches against defensive backs and linebackers alike.
Breakout 2025 Season Earned National Recognition
Trigg’s final college season validated his physical gifts. He hauled in 50 receptions for 694 yards and six touchdowns for Baylor in 2025. The production earned him second-team All-American honors and first-team All-Big 12 recognition.
He finished as a Mackey Award finalist, competing for the honor as the nation’s top tight end. Vanderbilt’s Eli Stowers ultimately won the award, with Trigg and Oregon’s Kenyon Sadiq as the other finalists. Preseason betting markets had listed Trigg at +600 odds to win, ahead of eventual winner Stowers.
- 50 receptions, 694 yards, 6 touchdowns in 2025
- Second-team All-American
- First-team All-Big 12
- Mackey Award finalist
The numbers represent a significant leap from previous seasons. Trigg’s emergence as a primary target in Baylor’s offense demonstrated his ability to produce when featured. His yards-per-catch average of 13.9 showed big-play capability.
The Paradox: Elite Talent, Undrafted Status
How does a 99th-percentile athlete with All-American credentials go undrafted? Off-field concerns kept teams from investing draft capital. Multiple reports cited character questions that caused front offices to pass despite the obvious talent.
The specific nature of these concerns remains unclear in public reporting. One documented incident involved Baylor athletic director Mack Rhoades confronting Trigg on the sideline during a September 2025 game against Arizona State over wearing a yellow undershirt to cover a shoulder brace. The confrontation, which allegedly included profanity and physical contact from Rhoades, left Trigg visibly upset—though he still recorded 71 yards and two touchdowns that game.
Reports suggest Trigg matured significantly during his final Baylor season. ESPN’s Matt Mosley noted that while teams “had too much intel on his past,” Trigg “actually matured a lot this past season.” Dallas clearly believes the growth is genuine.
The Cowboys are betting on trajectory over history. They get elite physical tools without draft investment. The risk is minimal; the upside is substantial.
Cowboys Did Their Homework
Dallas didn’t sign Trigg on measurables alone. Tight ends coach Lunda Wells invested significant time evaluating the prospect at Baylor’s Pro Day. Wells “was by Trigg’s side for the majority of Sunday’s Pro Day,” according to reporters present at the workout.
The extensive interaction allowed Wells to assess more than athletic ability. Character evaluation requires face-to-face conversation and observation. Wells gathered intelligence on Trigg’s maturity, work ethic, and coachability during the extended session.
Wells has coached Dallas tight ends since 2020, compiling a 56-44-1 regular-season record with the team. His experience evaluating the position gives weight to his endorsement. The Cowboys wouldn’t have moved this quickly without Wells’ positive assessment.
The thorough vetting process distinguishes this signing from a flier on raw talent. Dallas believes they know what they’re getting. Time will tell if their evaluation proves correct.
Crowded Room Awaits
Trigg faces steep competition for a roster spot. The Cowboys return Pro Bowl tight end Jake Ferguson as the clear starter. Former second-round pick Luke Schoonmaker enters a contract year needing to justify his draft position. Brevyn Spann-Ford and Princeton Fant round out a deep position group.
Historical data shows undrafted tight ends face long odds. While Antonio Gates built a Hall of Fame career as a UDFA, such success stories remain rare. The position typically requires 2-3 years of development before players contribute meaningfully.
Rookie minicamp will provide Trigg’s first opportunity to prove himself. He must demonstrate both the talent Dallas saw on film and the maturity they heard about in their evaluation. Physical gifts open the door; character and work ethic keep it open.
Dallas made a calculated bet on upside. Trigg gets his shot in the NFL.
