The Dallas Cowboys offseason is well underway, and you know it’s here because we start getting comments from Stephen Jones about how aggressive the Cowboys are going to be in free agency.
Offseason activities feature free agency and the NFL Draft right now, not to mention beginning negotiations with players who are due contract extensions.
On the other hand, you also have players who decide their own fate. Long time RG Zack Martin has done just that, announcing his retirement from the NFL after 11 dominant seasons.
Martin anchored the right side of the offensive line for the Cowboys, no matter who was lined up next to him at center and right tackle since being selected with the 16th overall pick of the 2014 NFL Draft.
The Notre Dame product leaves the Cowboys offensive line with a hole that cannot be easily filled, much like when the faced the retirement of C Travis Frederick and the free agency departure of LT Tyron Smith.
Players like Martin leave an impact that is rarely matched by anyone trying to fill their shoes, and that’s the case right now in Dallas.
How will the Cowboys fill the hole left by Martin’s retirement? They have a few options to choose from.
On the Roster
First, it must be made clear that there is no replacing Zack Martin. A player can step in, but nobody can fill his shoes.
With that being said, there are some options already on the roster who can step in and try to fill those Hall of Fame-sized shoes.
TJ Bass
TJ Bass is entering his third season, and the third year in the league is usually the turning point for players like Bass.
He has been a backup and utility lineman for the Cowboys since his arrival in 2023, but he has proven to be a valuable asset when called upon.
Bass has shown strength and savvy when stepping in at either guard position, and is a solid choice to succeed the Hall of Famer after his departure.
Brock Hoffman
Everything I just said about Bass can also be said about another career backup, Brock Hoffman.
Hoffman is another undrafted guy who has cut his teeth on the practice squad and watching higher-drafted players get most of the snaps on the field.
He has got his licks in during spot starts over the past couple of years, and displays a mean attitude that the Cowboys would love to see from all of their players.
Hoffman might catch a 15-yard penalty for his aggressiveness, but I’ll take one flag here and there if it means the difference in how the team approaches the opponent.
Cooper Beebe
Cooper Beebe would be the outright favorite to take the right guard job if he wasn’t so good at center.
Beebe was forced to step into action at center as a rookie last season, and the Cowboys were more than satisfied with his performance.
The big question then becomes: Will Dallas leave Beebe as the pivot in Schottenheimer’s offense? It is an important position, not only for the offensive line, but for QB Dak Prescott as well.
Beebe can be one of the best centers in the NFL if he is allowed to develop, but will he be needed more at right guard instead?
Nathan Thomas
One surprise name to throw in the hat here is Nathan Thomas.
Thomas was a 7th round draft pick by the Cowboys taken during the 2024 NFL Draft, but we haven’t seen what he can do on the field during the regular season.
His size and playing style are what make him a prime candidate to step up and steal the starting right guard spot from other more known names.
Thomas was drafted as an offensive tackle, but his compact 6’4″ 331lb frame and short arms are more suited to playing in the interior in the NFL. He is a player to watch for once the pads come back on.