As the NFL free agency period nears, the Dallas Cowboys are focusing not only on shoring up their defense after a challenging 2025 season but also evaluating ways to bolster their offensive line. Central to this effort is enhancing protection for Tyler Guyton offensive tackle, who, along with Terence Steele, experienced difficulties last season.
Despite retaining all 11 offensive starters from last year, contingent on George Pickens’ status regarding the franchise tag, the Cowboys aim to increase competition at key spots, particularly offensive tackle. An affordable, promising option may come from the free agent market in the form of Chicago Bears’ Braxon Jones.
Potential Signing Details for Braxon Jones
Football analyst K.D. Drummond of Cowboys Wire has recommended the Cowboys sign Braxon Jones to a two-year contract worth $11 million, including a $3.7 million signing bonus. Jones, drafted in the fifth round in 2022 out of Southern Utah, showed strong pass protection skills in 2024 with an 80.8 PFF grade but was limited in 2025 due to a knee injury.
“Jones turned in a tremendously solid 2024 season as a pass protector, with an 80.8 PFF grade, but only started four games in 2025 due to a knee injury. Signing him gives the club ultimate flexibility in training camp,”
Drummond wrote.
“It gives Dallas the chance to have a strong veteran LT if Tyler Guyton doesn’t improve, or if they choose to move him to RT to replace Terence Steele. The proposed contract is equivalent to what they are paying TJ Bass to be the top interior reserve with the second-round tender, just with an additional season.”
Need for Depth and Experience on the Offensive Line
The Cowboys require additional depth at offensive tackle due to inconsistency and injury concerns surrounding their young and veteran players. Tyler Guyton, the team’s first-round pick in 2024, has shown potential but has struggled with staying consistent, while Terence Steele, formerly regarded as an elite right tackle, has not fully recovered from a severe knee injury suffered in 2022.
Jones has started all 17 games during his rookie season but has endured health issues since, appearing in only six games last year. Even though signing him carries some risk because of his injuries, his ability when healthy makes him a valuable backup or potential starter.
This addition would provide the Cowboys with a versatile option who could compete for the starting left tackle spot or shift to right tackle to cover for Steele. Moreover, Jones would serve as an experienced swing tackle, addressing the team’s vulnerability due to injuries on the line, especially given Guyton’s recent health challenges early in his career.
