Cowboys to Allow RFA Lineman Brock Hoffman to Test Free Agency Without Safety Net

As the Dallas Cowboys continue to fine-tune their roster for the 2026 season, they have made a surprising decision regarding one of their restricted free agents (RFAs). The team has reportedly chosen not to tender interior offensive lineman Brock Hoffman, allowing him to enter free agency without the safety net of a tender offer.

The Decision on Brock Hoffman

Brock Hoffman, who has been a versatile backup for the Cowboys offensive line, could have been tendered a contract that would have given Dallas the right to match any offer he received from other teams. However, the Cowboys opted not to take that route, allowing the 26-year-old lineman to test the free-agent market.

This move follows a similar report from last week regarding T.J. Bass, another backup lineman the Cowboys are likely to tender with a second-round offer. While the team had previously shown strong interest in keeping Hoffman—he was retained as an exclusive right free agent last March—this decision to let him test free agency is a bit surprising, especially considering Hoffman’s importance as a depth piece on the offensive line.

Hoffman’s Role with the Cowboys

Since being signed to the Cowboys practice squad in 2022 after going undrafted, Hoffman has appeared in 54 games and proven himself as a reliable backup. He has started 16 games at center during his four-year career and has also shown his flexibility by playing both guard spots. Hoffman brought toughness and stability to the offensive line, stepping in whenever needed and solidifying his reputation as a valuable depth piece.

In particular, Hoffman served as a solid backup behind Cooper Beebe at center. His ability to contribute on multiple positions along the interior of the offensive line was crucial for the Cowboys, especially when injuries arose. His physicality and versatility were key assets for the team’s line depth.

The Risk of Letting Hoffman Go

While the Cowboys could have retained Hoffman for a relatively affordable price, they have opted not to tender him, which carries the risk of losing him to another team in free agency. In a league where quality offensive linemen are in short supply, it’s likely that Hoffman will attract interest from other teams once free agency begins.

Dallas may be willing to take the gamble of letting Hoffman test the waters to gauge what he could command on the open market. They could also be hoping to receive a compensatory draft pick if Hoffman signs a significant deal with another team, which could be a factor in their decision. However, the loss of such a valuable backup lineman could hurt the Cowboys if injuries strike their offensive line during the season.

A Gamble for the Cowboys

This move is certainly a gamble for the Cowboys, who will no longer have the option of relying on Hoffman as a versatile depth piece on the offensive line unless they manage to re-sign him after he tests free agency. With a lack of quality depth on many NFL offensive lines, Hoffman could quickly find a new home, and it will be interesting to see if the Cowboys act quickly to bring him back or if they are content to let him go.

Whether this decision ultimately pays off or not will likely depend on how the rest of the Cowboys’ offensive line holds up through training camp and into the regular season. If injuries occur and the team needs interior line depth, they could be left regretting their decision to let Hoffman explore free agency.

For now, it’s clear the Cowboys are taking a calculated risk, one that could either free up resources for other areas of need or lead to a gap in their offensive line depth. Time will tell whether this gamble pays off or if they will be forced to scramble for replacements.