Don’t be surprised if Cowboys lose key interior OL backups
Brock Hoffman and T.J. Bass have provided the Cowboys with solid and inexpensive depth at guard and center the last few seasons. Starting 16 and 10 games respectively since 2023, these undrafted finds have allowed Dallas to focus draft picks and cap resources elsewhere, providing strong value given minimal investment. Both are scheduled to be restricted free agents this offseason, and they may not be as easy to keep as you might think.
Let’s take this opportunity to briefly run through how RFAs work. First, Dallas could make it simple by re-signing one or both of them to a new deal, like they did with S Markquese Bell last year. He was given a three-year, $9 million contract to avoid any RFA shenanigans, plus giving the Cowboys more cap flexibility and both parties more long-term security.
It’s not hard to see this happening with either Hoffman or Bass, and especially Hoffman as both your backup center and a guard option. If they don’t get new contracts, then it’s a matter of whether or not Dallas uses RFA tenders. The tender amounts for 2026 are:
- 1st Round – $8.04 million
- 2nd Round – $5.77 million
- First Refusal – $3.52 million
According to recent reports, Dallas is not expected to tender Hoffman at all. That means he would be an unrestricted free agent when the market opens later this month. The Cowboys are expected to use a second-round tender on Bass, though neither decision is final. The deadline to tender RFAs is March 11th, so we’ll see what ultimately happens.
In Hoffman’s case, this makes it very possible that his time in Dallas is over. He turns just 27 this summer and has enough experience to have a market. He could compete for a starting job with some teams, or at least be a valuable, versatile backup elsewhere. That latter role would certainly fit with the Cowboys, too, but Hoffman will probably seek starting opportunities and test the market before agreeing to an assured backup role here.
As for Bass, the second-round tender should lock him in for 2026. It’s hard to see another team giving up that high a pick for him. Most would rather just draft a guy at that point, as the average second-round guards should have more perceived upside and be several years younger.
But, if the reports are wrong and Dallas only does the first-refusal tender, or none at all like Hoffman, Bass’ prospects change dramatically. He does have experience and proven performance on the NFL level, which even the best draft prospect can’t claim. Bass could also compete for a starting job somewhere. As we’ve seen for several years, former Cowboys offensive linemen have had little trouble finding work elsewhere in the league.
If Bass does get the second-round tender, which is no small price for a backup, it could indicate that he will also be a top candidate for Hoffman’s old job as reserve center. He’s reportedly worked there in previous offseasons, so there may be a comfort level with him in that role. That would help justify the salary if he plays on the one-year RFA tender.
Another reason Dallas may be clinging to Bass is the questionable condition of the offensive tackle position. No, Bass doesn’t help there. But Tyler Smith might, and then you may have an opening for Bass as a starting guard. Keeping Bass could be a flag that the Cowboys are at least entertaining the idea of moving Smith to left tackle.
There are a lot of x-factors here, but the key thing to know is that both T.J. Bass and Brock Hoffman could have suitors in the upcoming free agent market. They’d had enough playing time, performed well enough in it, and have a helpful resume stop coming from an acclaimed Cowboys offense. They’ve been stuck behind more highly-drafted starters in Dallas, but don’t be surprised if other teams see Bass or Hoffman as a starting option and attempt to sign them away.
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