The Dallas Cowboys are in a rough spot with their offensive line depth, and it’s not just the backups giving them headaches. Right now, the confidence level in their reserve tackle positions is super low. And it’s not just the second string, either. While they’ve got better vibes about Tyler Guyton than earlier in the year, Terence Steele looks like he’s taken a step backward. Plus, the guys behind him aren’t exactly setting the world on fire.
An O-Line Nightmare Brewing in Dallas
It gets even tighter on the interior. Sure, the starting trio of Tyler Smith, Cooper Beebe, and Tyler Booker is one of the league’s best up the middle. But look behind them and it’s a whole different story. Only TJ Bass is seen as someone capable of stepping in and starting if called upon. This is a huge problem, especially after Matt Hennessy, who was brought in as Hoffman’s replacement, suffered a serious neck injury and is now out for the entire year. With those kinds of question marks, you gotta wonder if Dallas needs to make a move, and quick, to get some real security in their O-line room. The current roster simply doesn’t offer a secure enough solution.
The Return of a Familiar Face?
Here’s where it gets interesting, especially for anyone who remembers a certain reliable backup. There are rumblings out of Pittsburgh that the Steelers might be open to offers for Brock Hoffman. Ring a bell? He was Dallas’s top interior backup for four seasons, starting a solid 16 games. The dude knows the system inside and out. When facing restricted free agency, Dallas opted to tender TJ Bass, who got a $5.8 million deal, over Hoffman, seeing Bass as the higher upside guy. Hoffman ended up signing a $2.5 million deal with his old coach, Mike McCarthy, who’d taken over the Steelers for the 2022 through 2024 seasons. But Hoffman didn’t win the starting right guard job in Pittsburgh, and now he’s a potential trade chip. With only a $1.75 million base salary for the year, he’s a pretty affordable option. If Dallas decided to move Tyler Smith back to left tackle, Bass could start at guard, and Hoffman, who’s been better as a center, could slot right in.
What’s Next for the Cowboys’ Front?
So, the big question is, will the Cowboys pull the trigger and bring Hoffman back home? The need is definitely there, especially with Hennessy out for the year. Dallas could potentially send a player like Luke Schoonmaker or Marist Liufau to Pittsburgh to make it happen. This isn’t just about depth; it’s about shoring up the core of their offense before a single snap in the regular season gets too far. Dallas has to figure this out fast, or they could be staring at a major weakness on their offensive front.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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