Cowboys Could Keep Guard Spots Solid in Free Agency

Dallas has options to retain key interior offensive linemen Brock Hoffman and T.J. Bass.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The Dallas Cowboys have a strong foundation on the interior of their offensive line, with 2021 first-round pick Tyler Smith and 2025 second-rounder Tyler Booker locked in as the starters at left and right guard. The team also has restricted free agents Brock Hoffman and T.J. Bass, who could be retained to keep the guard spots solid going forward.

Why it matters

Maintaining continuity on the offensive line is crucial for the Cowboys, as it allows them to focus on addressing other positions of need this offseason. Keeping Hoffman and Bass would ensure the interior line remains a strength for Dallas.

The details

Hoffman and Bass are both physical, "lunch pail" type guards who have developed well under the Cowboys' coaching staff. Hoffman can play both guard spots and center, while Bass is a bit more subtle in his approach but equally effective. The Cowboys have the right of first refusal on both players as restricted free agents, making it an easy decision to bring them back on team-friendly deals.

  • Hoffman and Bass are set to become restricted free agents on March 11, 2026.

The players

Brock Hoffman

A restricted free agent guard who has developed into a bully and tone-setter on the Cowboys' offensive line.

T.J. Bass

A restricted free agent guard who is a bit more subtle in his approach than Hoffman but equally effective on the field.

Tyler Smith

The Cowboys' 2021 first-round pick, who has solidified the left guard spot.

Tyler Booker

The Cowboys' 2025 second-round pick, who has taken over the right guard position.

Cooper Beebe

A former third-round pick who has shown promise at guard but was slowed by injury in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“Go ahead and re-sign Hoffman. Make it all so easy on yourselves, Cowboys. He's a restricted free agent, so you control the rights to if he stays or goes, having the Right of First Refusal, and Hoffman is a bully, lunch pail worker that sets the tone when he's in games; oh, and he can play both of the guard positions, and center, and will likely be had for the veteran minimum.”

— Patrik Walker, DallasCowboys.com editorial staff (DallasCowboys.com)

“Surprise surprise, but I feel the same way about Bass. The demeanor is a little different between the two best friends, Bass being the more subtle of the two but, on the field, they're the same kind of smashmouth player. Bass feels a step behind Hoffman in development, but he's definitely a gamer, and also a restricted free agent.”

— Patrik Walker, DallasCowboys.com editorial staff (DallasCowboys.com)

What’s next

The Cowboys will need to decide whether to tender offers to Hoffman and Bass as restricted free agents before the start of the new league year on March 11, 2026.

The takeaway

By retaining Hoffman and Bass, the Cowboys can maintain continuity on the interior of their offensive line, allowing them to focus on addressing other positions of need this offseason. This approach has proven successful in the past, as the team has developed its own talent along the offensive line.