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.
Under Contract
Tyler Smith, Cooper Beebe, T.J. Bass
Asim Richards, Jack Anderson
Potential Departure
Brock Hoffman
Retiring
Zack Martin
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.
Free Agency
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 the injury should help the Cowboys sign him at a discount.
2025 NFL Draft
Drafting a new starting guard or center is certainly on the table. It probably wouldn’t happen in the first round based on Dallas’ other needs, but what if they get to #12 and there isn’t a RB, WR, or DT left who they love? That probably means plenty of guard prospects will be. Like the Zack Martin pick in 2014, finding another 10-year starter on the line is never a bad idea.
More likely is that Dallas would strike if they see a clear upgrade with one of the Day 2 picks. Depending on how early top prospects like Donovan Jackson and Tyler Booker get selected, the chances that worthy IOL talents will be there in the second and third rounds will fluctuate. Other roster needs will also be a factor, which could prompt the Cowboys to go with who’s already under contract.
Whether it was Martin in 2014 or even Beebe last year, Dallas surprised many by investing in its offensive line at those moments. The same front office is still making those decisions, so don’t be shocked if they deal with Martin’s departure by making another big rookie addition this spring.
Final Thoughts
Don’t you miss the days when we had Travis Frederick and Zack Martin in their primes and nitpicked about how good Ronald Leary was? Sadly, we’ve still got a long way to go to get back to such a luxurious situation in the middle of the offensive line.
Still, things could be worse. Tyler Smith is a borderline All-Pro at left guard and Cooper Beebe should be a strong starter at either center or guard next year. While Martin’s retirement rightfully hurts fans in their feelings, the truth is that the line looked better when Brock Hoffman was playing. That’s not all on Martin; it coincided with Brian Schottenheimer taking more control of the offense. But it means, practically speaking, that Dallas may not be losing much on the field with Martin’s exit.
The strategy of allowing someone from the Hoffman, T.J. Bass, and Asim Richards prospect trio to be a starter next year has merit. It lets you focus on other positions of need, plus helps deal with significant dead money from Martin’s contract with a very cheap player taking his place.
That said, if either the right free agent at the right price or a great draft value opportunity comes along, the Cowboys should seriously consider them. It’s been proven time and again that building the team up in the trenches, especially on offense, makes everyone better. It should really be an evergreen offseason priority.