Dallas Cowboys Strengthen Offensive Line by Signing Former Third-Round Pick Matt Hennessy

The Dallas Cowboys have made another significant move in the 2026 NFL free agency period, this time bolstering their offensive line. According to ESPN’s Todd Archer, Dallas has agreed to terms with Matt Hennessy, a center formerly with the San Francisco 49ers. This move is designed to add depth and experience to the Cowboys’ offensive line, providing much-needed support for their offensive unit moving forward.

A Look Back at Matt Hennessy’s Career

Hennessy, now 28 years old, was originally drafted by the Atlanta Falcons in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft after a successful college career at Temple. Over the course of his career, Hennessy has made 64 regular-season appearances, including 24 starts. He spent three full seasons with the Falcons, and while he showed potential, his tenure there was marked by inconsistency and competition for the starting role.

In 2024, Hennessy signed a one-year, $1.75 million contract with the Philadelphia Eagles in free agency, hoping to reignite his career. Unfortunately for Hennessy, he was waived by the Eagles prior to the regular season, which led to a bit of a journey across the league. He initially joined the Falcons’ practice squad midseason, where he was later elevated to the active roster, only to be waived again a month later.

This uncertainty, however, eventually brought Hennessy to the San Francisco 49ers, where he found a stable role. In December 2024, he was signed to the active roster by San Francisco, where he played a key part in the team’s offensive line during the 2025 season. Hennessy appeared in 17 regular-season games, earning two starts. Additionally, he played in both of the 49ers’ playoff games, further showcasing his ability to step up in critical moments.

Why the Cowboys Are Targeting Hennessy

The Cowboys’ decision to add Hennessy to their roster is an obvious move to address some depth concerns on their offensive line. The signing marks only the second offensive addition for Dallas in the free agency period, with the team primarily focusing on bolstering their defense. Hennessy’s versatility and experience give the Cowboys some much-needed options as they look to improve their protection up front, which will be crucial for the development of their offense.

While Hennessy is not expected to come in and start immediately, his depth and ability to fill in at multiple positions along the line are invaluable. The Cowboys’ offensive line is an area they wanted to address in this free agency period, and bringing in a player with Hennessy’s experience will provide stability as they continue to build out their roster.

Dallas Cowboys’ Busy Free Agency Period

The addition of Hennessy marks the sixth free agency signing for the Cowboys this offseason. While many of their moves have focused on defensive players, the Hennessy addition is a clear sign that Dallas is not neglecting their offensive line. Earlier in free agency, Dallas made headlines by signing Jalen Thompson, a safety from the Arizona Cardinals, to a three-year, $36 million deal. They also added Otito Ogbonnia, a defensive tackle from the Los Angeles Chargers, P.J. Locke, a safety from the Denver Broncos, and Sam Howell, a quarterback from the Philadelphia Eagles.

In addition to these free-agent moves, the Cowboys have been active in the trade market, further strengthening their defense. Dallas traded Osa Odighizuwa to the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for a 2026 third-round pick, and they also traded Solomon Thomas, a veteran defensive lineman, to the Tennessee Titans in a seventh-round pick swap. These moves have allowed the Cowboys to retool their roster in hopes of competing for a championship in 2026.

The most notable trade, however, came when the Cowboys acquired Rashan Gary from the Green Bay Packers in exchange for a 2027 fourth-round pick. Gary, a pass-rushing powerhouse, should provide an immediate impact on the Cowboys’ defense and help solidify their edge rush, which had been a weak point in past seasons.

The Cowboys’ Vision for the 2026 Season

With free agency moves and trades continuing to reshape the roster, the Cowboys’ front office is clearly focused on building a team that can contend for a Super Bowl. The addition of Hennessy on the offensive line adds depth and gives the team the flexibility to manage injuries and improve their overall line play. While Hennessy may not be the big-name signing that some fans were hoping for, his experience and reliability make him a solid addition to the squad.

As the Cowboys continue to tweak their roster with an eye on the 2026 season, their focus will undoubtedly remain on building a well-rounded, competitive team. With a solid core already in place and several impactful free-agent acquisitions, Dallas looks primed to make a deep playoff run and potentially challenge for the NFC title.

Conclusion: A Strategic Depth Addition for Dallas

In conclusion, the Cowboys’ decision to sign Matt Hennessy adds valuable depth to their offensive line as they gear up for the 2026 NFL season. While the focus has largely been on their defensive upgrades, this move is a crucial step in ensuring that the offensive side of the ball is also well-equipped for the challenges ahead. With a deeper roster, more competition, and the addition of a reliable veteran like Hennessy, the Cowboys are positioning themselves for success as they continue to build their championship contender.