Blogging The Boys
The Cowboys have some pieces that they can work with along the interior.
While things are pretty rough at offensive tackle this offseason, the Cowboys’ interior line offers a little more to be confident about. Tyler Smith’s a two-time Pro Bowler and Cooper Beebe had a solid rookie season. Dallas will still need to figure out what they’re doing at right guard in 2025, but at least there are some strengths to lean on going forward.
Asim Richards, Jack Anderson
We recently found out about Zack Martin’s retirement. It’s an anti-climactic end to his legendary career. But turning 35 this fall, Martin was already struggling both to stay active and still play like the Hall of Famer he’s been. Even if he hadn’t chosen to move on from football, there was a chance he wasn’t going to be a Cowboy next year.
One candidate to replace Martin at right guard is Brock Hoffman. He stepped in at times last year and was effective, his insertion coinciding with the team’s improved rushing offense during the back half of the season. As an exclusive rights free agent, he’ll be back so long as Dallas offers him any kind of contract. They almost certainly will given Hoffman’s undeniable value; a potentially inexpensive starting guard or a versatile backup at both interior line spots.
Smith and Beebe are the two sure things among the entire offensive line. Beebe could move to RG if Dallas brings in a new center, which is where many think he’d thrive in the NFL. However things shake out with the other three starting spots, we know Smith and Beebe will be in that first-team five.
The Cowboys could decide that a competition between Hoffman, T.J. Bass, and Asim Richards would yield a worthy starting guard. That’s not to say Dallas shouldn’t consider someone from the free agent and draft pools. A plug-in starter would still leave you with some strong depth. Richards also gives you an option at tackle, so all three could easily make the roster in reserve roles.
Signing a new starting guard or center makes sense in a vacuum, but it could be tough with the big picture of Dallas’ overall roster needs and salary cap. They also have to prepare for keeping Tyler Smith, who’s fifth-year option is coming in 2026 and will expect at least $20 million a year in his next contract. Keeping costs low at the other two spots for a while will help.
If the Cowboys want a new veteran starter, centers are generally cheaper than guards. That may be how Beebe winds up playing RG next year. But another option could be someone like Will Hernandez, who played under Klayton Adams for the last three seasons in Arizona and is coming off a season-ending injury. The relationship is there to put him on Dallas’ radar, and...
