Coach Brian Schottenheimer recently stated that the Dallas Cowboys hope to keep restricted free agents Brock Hoffman and T.J. Bass for the 2026 season. The team placed a second-round tender on Bass, who has started in 10 games so far, but they must negotiate a separate contract to retain Hoffman.
Decision to Forego Tender on Brock Hoffman
According to Jordan Schultz from The Schultz Report, the Cowboys do not intend to offer a tender contract to Brock Hoffman, which will allow him to become an unrestricted free agent. Hoffman, 26 years old, has started 14 games over the past two years, demonstrating versatility by playing center, left guard, and right guard positions.
Coach Schottenheimer’s Praise for Hoffman and Bass
At the Scouting Combine, Brian Schottenheimer expressed high regard for both players, highlighting their value to the team:
“Both of those guys are studs,”
Schottenheimer said.
“They’re glue pieces for us. They’re always prepared. They’re ready. Both of those guys could start for other teams in the league. We’re just very, very talented. Both of those guys coming back would be big for us.”
Implications for the Cowboys’ Offensive Line and Future
The decision to allow Brock Hoffman to enter unrestricted free agency introduces uncertainty about the Cowboys’ offensive line depth for coming seasons. While Coach Schottenheimer has emphasized the importance of both Hoffman and Bass to the squad, the team’s official move on Hoffman suggests they may be prioritizing other roster options. How the Cowboys proceed with their offensive line will be critical to maintaining their competitiveness in future campaigns.
