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FRISCO, TX — Though it was highly probable it would occur, the decision from Zack Martin to walk into retirement, one that is expected to happen any day now, still serves as a punch to the roster of the Dallas Cowboys as they begin the work of swimming through the offseason waters to try to improve the offensive line play.
In 2024, in a trade-down package that also included using a first-round pick on Tyler Guyton to transition him to left tackle, the Cowboys picked up a third-round pick that turned into Cooper Beebe — an All-American guard who transitioned in Dallas to a very capable starting center in only his first season.
Assuming Beebe remains at center, which isn't cemented just yet but is still extremely possible, it's fair to presume backup lineman Brock Hoffman could get the nod as a starting interior lineman going forward, with T.J. Bass prepared to be the understudy.
But, should the Cowboys want a more proven and polished option, well, that's what free agency is for, now isn't it?
[FYI: *Be sure to check out the entire ‘What’s Next?*' series as a primer to "Open Market".]
What's Here:
Chuma Edoga: One of the more flexible veterans signed to the offensive line over the past couple of seasons, Edoga was awarded another short-term contract in 2024 that has now run its course. Having gone from being a stopgap at left tackle (hence being named in two separate episodes of this series) to being moved to swing tackle and then back to starter as first-round pick Tyler Guyton battled injury, Edoga has also shown value as a backup guard. Schottenheimer knows this, and there aren't many cost-friendly and capable options in free agency for replacing what Edoga provides.
Better options exist, absolutely, but be prepared to pay well for them.
What's Out There:
Note: These players will be unrestricted on March 13, barring a newly-signed deal with their incumbent team prior to that date.
Kevin Zeitler: One of the only well-aged veterans that make sense to me is Zeitler, a soon-to-be 35-year-old and former first-round pick of yesteryear who spent the 2024 season helping to lift the Detroit Lions to a No. 1 seed in the NFC, and starting in every game, no less. I'd view Zeitler as a perfect replacement for Martin, should this be the end of the road for the Gob. Zeitler on a two-year deal allows the Cowboys to have a guaranteed high-level starter who can also mentor Hoffman and Bass in 2025, instantly securing the right shoulder of Cooper Beebe and insuring against injury with Hoffman/Bass at the ready. And one year from now, you can assess if it's Hoffman's turn at starter (he'll be an Exclusive Rights Free Agent in 2026) and if Zeitler deserves to finish out his second and final year on the contract as a starter, a backup or not at all.
Teven Jenkins: Jenkins will be a bit more costly than Zeitler, presumably, though not by much. A former second-round pick in 2021, Jenkins has spent the entirety of his four-year career attached to the Chicago Bears. He'll turn 27 years of age in 2024 and is looking to take offers on what will be a second NFL contract, and was below the Mendoza line in both QB hurries allowed and sacks allowed per game last season; and the fact he started in 14 games but drew only one penalty all season is downright seductive for a Cowboys' unit that can't seem to get out of its own way in that category. Maybe Matt Eberflus, former head coach of the Bears, can put in a word for Jenkins.
James Daniels: As Jenkins landed to take hold in Chicago, Daniels exited and took his talents to the Steel City for Mike Tomlin. It was on a three-year deal that is now expiring, but at 27 years old, there's plenty left in Daniels' tank going forward and at a market value that doesn't exactly shatter the nearest Bank of America vault. He's gone from being a former second-round pick to proving that value by being a starter on two different teams, but the jury is out on how long it will take him to get back to form after suffering a torn Achilles in September. That's enough recovery time to be ready at the front of next season, and also makes his asking price slide down the scale to a more favorable amount if you're the Cowboys' front office.
Honorable Mention (Cost-prohibitive): Will Fries, Trey Smith
