Stephen Jones Talks Zack Martin’s Replacement and Terence Steele’s Future
The Cowboys appear confident in Terence Steele’s potential.
This offseason, the Dallas Cowboys face a significant challenge in finding a successor for future Hall of Fame right guard Zack Martin. The seven-time First-Team All-Pro recently announced his retirement, prompting discussions about who will take his place.
At the NFL Combine, Stephen Jones addressed the team’s offensive line plans for 2025. He expressed confidence in internal options, including Brock Hoffman and Cooper Beebe, as potential replacements for Martin.
“Between Hoffman and Beebe, can they handle center and guard?” Jones mused. “Yeah. I think they’re solid choices.
“How the coaching staff decides to use them is still up in the air.”
Jones didn’t elaborate further, but his response suggests that head coach Brian Schottenheimer and his staff may consider shifting Beebe back to guard, where he played in college under new offensive line coach Conor Riley, while Hoffman handles center duties.
Additionally, Jones mentioned the possibility of signing a veteran free agent, similar to their acquisition of Chuma Edoga, but this time for the guard position. Moving Beebe back to guard could be a compelling decision, given that he spent his rookie season developing at center.
If the coaching staff is confident in its evaluations, returning Beebe to right guard—his natural college position under Riley—might be a better fit. The ultimate goal is assembling the best starting five, even if that requires some lineup adjustments.
Jones also emphasized the Cowboys’ history of drafting offensive linemen early and the success that has come from it.
“But at the same time, offensive line is an area we consistently prioritize in the draft, often in the early rounds, because depth is crucial due to injuries,” Jones said. “I see us targeting the right veteran like we did with Chuma [Edoga] at tackle or selecting a guard fairly high.
“We always value that. That’s how we landed Connor McGovern (third round), Connor Williams (second round), and Cooper Beebe (third round). We’ve had success drafting in the second, third, and fourth rounds.”
The new coaching staff is responsible for determining the optimal offensive line configuration, with both tackle positions drawing attention. 2024 first-round pick Tyler Guyton had an inconsistent season.
A suggestion circulating on social media proposes moving Guyton to right tackle, where he played at Oklahoma, to create competition for Terence Steele. However, Jones and the coaching staff seem uninterested in that idea.
“We have [Terence] Steele locked in. I believe he’ll thrive in this system with Klayton [Adams],” Jones stated.
When asked why he expects Steele to improve under the new coaching staff, Jones explained:
“Klayton has studied his film and really admires him,” Jones said of the Cowboys’ new offensive coordinator. “Terence’s greatest strength is his run blocking.
“If we implement what I expect Schotty and Klayton to emphasize offensively—an even stronger focus on the run—it will benefit Steele. Klayton and Conor are both excited about his potential.”
Could Steele switch positions, or will he remain at right tackle?
“At right tackle,” Jones confirmed.
Jones’ statement makes it clear: Steele will not be moved inside or anywhere else, as the team still views him as their starting right tackle. Despite an up-and-down season, much like Guyton, Steele finished strong and could elevate his game under offensive coordinator Klayton Adams and Conor Riley, both renowned for coaching offensive linemen.
If Jones’ belief in Adams’ evaluation holds true, Cowboys fans should be optimistic about Steele’s development under the new coaching staff.