Cowboys sign Van Vooren to shore up tight end depth
Dallas addresses injury concerns at tight end by signing Mitch Van Vooren, while waiving defensive tackle Kelvin Gilliam in a corresponding roster adjustment.
The Dallas Cowboys have moved to stabilise their tight end group following a series of injuries that have depleted their depth. The club signed 25-year-old Mitch Van Vooren on Monday to address the immediate need for a reliable option on the roster.
The signing was a direct response to the unavailability of tight ends Michael Trigg and D.J. Rogers. While the specific nature of their injuries has not been detailed, the move underscores the Cowboys' need to secure a functional receiving corps at the position ahead of the regular season.
In a corresponding roster move, the team waived defensive tackle Kelvin Gilliam. This exchange reflects the standard management of roster spots, prioritising the offensive line's need for a tight end over the defensive line's current configuration.
Van Vooren’s path to Dallas has been marked by movement across the league. He entered the NFL as a rookie free agent in 2025, initially signing with the Seattle Seahawks. Seattle released him on 13 June 2025, after which he signed with the Cleveland Browns on 4 August before being waived on 24 August. He also spent part of the recent offseason with the New England Patriots.
Before his professional journey, Van Vooren established himself as a standout at St. Norbert College. During his final collegiate season, he earned first-team All-NACC honours, recording 33 receptions for 510 yards and 10 touchdowns. His athletic background also includes a stint as a track athlete at Marquette, where he set the school record in the 400-metre hurdles.
The signing was first reported by Todd Archer of ESPN. The move positions Van Vooren as a depth piece for the Cowboys, offering a player with recent NFL experience and a proven track record in the college game to fill the void left by Trigg and Rogers.
