Cowboys 2025 Offseason Roster Outlook: Guards & Centers<\/p>\n
The Cowboys have some solid options to build around on the interior.<\/p>\n
While offensive tackle remains a major concern this offseason, the interior offensive line offers more stability. Tyler Smith has made two Pro Bowls, and Cooper Beebe had an impressive rookie year. Dallas still needs to determine its plans at right guard for 2025, but at least they have some dependable pieces moving forward.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Under Contract<\/p>\n
Tyler Smith, Cooper Beebe, T.J. Bass<\/p>\n
Asim Richards, Jack Anderson<\/p>\n
Potential Departure<\/p>\n
Brock Hoffman<\/p>\n
Retiring<\/p>\n
Zack Martin<\/p>\n
It was recently announced that Zack Martin is retiring. It\u2019s not the most dramatic conclusion to his legendary career, but at 35 years old, he was already struggling with durability and maintaining his elite level of play. Even if he hadn\u2019t retired, there was a possibility he wouldn\u2019t have remained with the Cowboys in 2025.<\/p>\n
Brock Hoffman is a leading candidate to replace Martin at right guard. He filled in at times last season and played well, coinciding with an improved rushing attack in the second half of the year. As an exclusive rights free agent, he\u2019ll return if Dallas offers him a contract, which they almost certainly will. Hoffman provides valuable versatility as a potential starting guard or backup at multiple interior spots.<\/p>\n
Smith and Beebe are the only definite starters on the offensive line. Beebe could shift to right guard if Dallas brings in a new center, a position where many believe he would thrive. Regardless of what happens at the other three positions, Smith and Beebe are locked into the first-team unit.<\/p>\n
The Cowboys might decide that a competition between Hoffman, T.J. Bass, and Asim Richards could produce a reliable starting guard. That doesn\u2019t mean they should ignore free agency or the draft, though. Adding a starting-caliber player would also improve depth. Richards, who has experience at tackle, increases the likelihood that all three could stick around in backup roles.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Free Agency<\/p>\n
Signing a new starting guard or center makes sense in theory, but it may not be feasible given Dallas\u2019 overall roster needs and salary cap constraints. They also need to budget for Tyler Smith\u2019s future extension, with his fifth-year option approaching in 2026. His next contract will likely exceed $20 million per year, making it wise to keep costs down at the other two interior spots.<\/p>\n
If Dallas seeks a veteran starter, centers tend to be more affordable than guards, which could push Beebe to right guard. Another option is Will Hernandez, who played under Klayton Adams in Arizona for the past three seasons and is coming off a season-ending injury. His familiarity with Adams and his injury status could make him an affordable target for the Cowboys.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
2025 NFL Draft<\/p>\n
Drafting a new starting guard or center is a realistic option. It\u2019s unlikely to happen in the first round due to other roster needs, but what if Dallas is picking at #12 and there\u2019s no running back, wide receiver, or defensive tackle they love? That could mean plenty of high-quality guard prospects are available. Just like the Zack Martin pick in 2014, securing a long-term starter for the offensive line is never a bad decision.<\/p>\n
The more probable scenario is Dallas targeting a guard or center on Day 2 if they see a clear upgrade. The availability of top prospects like Donovan Jackson and Tyler Booker will influence their approach in rounds two and three. Other roster needs will also factor into the decision, potentially leading the Cowboys to stick with their in-house options.<\/p>\n
From drafting Martin in 2014 to selecting Beebe last year, Dallas has a history of surprising people by investing in the offensive line. With the same front office making decisions, it wouldn\u2019t be a shock if they addressed Martin\u2019s departure by drafting another top prospect this spring.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Final Thoughts<\/p>\n
Remember when the Cowboys had Travis Frederick and Zack Martin in their primes, and people nitpicked about Ronald Leary\u2019s play? Unfortunately, the team has a long way to go before reaching that level of stability again.<\/p>\n
Still, the situation isn\u2019t dire. Tyler Smith is playing at an almost All-Pro level at left guard, and Cooper Beebe is poised to be a strong starter at either guard or center. While Martin\u2019s retirement is an emotional loss for fans, the reality is that the offensive line performed better when Brock Hoffman was on the field. That\u2019s not entirely on Martin\u2014Brian Schottenheimer\u2019s increased offensive influence played a role\u2014but it suggests Dallas may not experience a major drop-off after his departure.<\/p>\n
Allowing one of Hoffman, T.J. Bass, or Asim Richards to earn a starting job has merit. It allows the team to focus on other needs while offsetting the dead money from Martin\u2019s contract with a cost-effective replacement.<\/p>\n
However, if the right free agent or draft prospect presents itself, the Cowboys should strongly consider making a move. History has proven that building strength in the trenches, especially on offense, benefits the entire team. Prioritizing the offensive line should always be a key offseason focus.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Cowboys 2025 Offseason Roster Outlook: Guards & Centers The Cowboys have some solid options to build around on the interior. While offensive tackle remains a major concern this offseason, the interior offensive line offers more stability. Tyler Smith has made two Pro Bowls, and Cooper Beebe had an impressive rookie year. Dallas still needs to […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":26661,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[358],"tags":[1693],"class_list":["post-26660","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-dallas-cowboys","tag-tyler-smith"],"yoast_head":"\n