Blogging The Boys
With the dismissal of defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, the reconstruction of the Dallas Cowboys is officially underway. As the playoffs begin this weekend, the Cowboys have their eyes elsewhere and look to fix what was a flawed roster that led to a disappointing losing season. Decisions on high-priced veterans will be made, and contracts will either be restructured or terminated altogether.
The Cowboys also have to determine if some players on expiring contracts are worth keeping or setting them free for the open market. Per Spotrac, the Cowboys have eight offensive players who are coming up on free agency, with varying degrees of necessity. Here’s whether the Cowboys should re-sign these offensive players or let them walk.
T.J. Bass, OG: Re-sign
Dallas will need valuable depth at the position. Bass has done a good job in spurts when asked to step in. Due to his limited experience and the Cowboys knowing him well, it shouldn’t take much to retain him on the team. Bass can play either guard spot and most recently filled in for a few games when Tyler Smith moved to left tackle. Also, Bass is a restricted free agent; therefore, a suitor would have to offer the Cowboys compensation to pry him away.
Hakeem Adeniji, T/G: Re-sign
Hakeem Adeniji should be retained at least through the offseason and training camp as a placeholder. You get the growing sense that the Cowboys are going to part ways with Terence Steele, who has disappointed since receiving his contract extension. The Cowboys very likely will add a new right tackle, whether it be in free agency or in the draft, to protect Dak Prescott. Adeniji would be more like the emergency bridge once the new starter is up to speed. Like many on the roster, Adeniji can play multiple offensive line spots and has started 16 games at tackle or guard in his career, including a start in the Super Bowl while with the Cincinnati Bengals. His price tag should be very manageable and allow the Cowboys to part ways down the line if needed, just before the start of the 2026 season.
Brock Hoffman, G/C: Let Walk
Dallas should keep him, but won’t be able to. Hoffman has put out solid tape at the NFL level with time spent at all three interior spots. While Hoffman isn’t as powerful as other interior players on the roster, like Cooper Beebe or Tyler Booker, he has good mobility and plays through the whistle with a mean streak. He’s been a great teammate and harbored no ill will after being overtaken for a starting center position following the departure of Tyler Biadasz to the Washington Commanders, and Beebe’s instant insertion as the starting center. Yet, you get the feeling that Hoffman deserves more and could get it on the open market. Division rivals Washington and New York need offensive line help, so it wouldn’t be far-fetched to imagine him lured away for a pay raise higher than the $1.1M he had received...
