Blogging The Boys
Some players you’re excited to see more of in the upcoming season, and some you hope you’ll never see. Matt Hennessy is in the latter group, but that’s not a knock on him as a player. That’s life for most backup offensive linemen, a role that Hennessy is projected to play as one of the newly-arrived Dallas Cowboys in 2026.
Years in NFL: 6
Acquired by: Free agency (2026)
A third-round pick in 2020 by the Falcons, Hennessy spent most of his rookie year in development behind longtime starter Alex Mack. He became the full-time starter in 2021 after Mack left in free agency and with Atlanta going into a rebuilding phase under a new head coach. While grading out as one of the NFL’s best run-blocking centers, Hennessy was one of its worst performers in pass protection.
In his third year, Hennessy lost his starting job but remained on as an interior backup. He would start three games in reserve duty, all at left guard. Any hope of retaining that role in 2023 was dashed when Hennessy suffered a season-ending knee injury in training.
After his rookie deal expired in 2024, Hennessy signed on with the Eagles to compete for a backup job. He was released at final cuts, then sat unemployed for about a month before Atlanta brought him back in on its practice squad. In late December, the 49ers poached Hennessy for their final games. He stuck with San Francisco in 2025 as a backup, starting two mid-season games.
Last March, the Cowboys made a choice between two free agent linemen in T.J. Bass and Brock Hoffman. They gave Bass a $5.77 million deal as a restricted free agent and allowed Hoffman, also a RFA, to sign elsewhere. Needing a cheaper option to replace him, they were able to sign Hennessy for considerably less.
Years Left: 1
2026 Cap Hit: 1.26 million
Hennessy got just a hair above the veteran minimum for a fifth-year player. But while his overall compensation, a key point in the deal is that it’s almost fully guaranteed. While Dallas could still eat $1.2 million if it has to, the guaranteed money suggests that Hennessy already has a strong grip on one of the backup jobs.
Role: Backup C
Roster Chance: 75%
As mentioned, Hennessy feels like the walk-in replacement for Hoffman. While Bass has worked at center in past camps, Hennessy has a full year of real-game experience in the role. His modest contract pairs well with the big raise that Bass just received, balancing out the overall expenses in the second string of the interior line.
However, this is still only a projection. Dallas may still give Bass, Trevor Keegan, or others opportunities to show they can be the backup center. With so much more uncertainty at offensive tackle, and guys there who can flex to guard, the Cowboys might prefer just keeping two true IOL backups and going long with prospects like...
