Everyone is waiting with bated breath to see if the Dallas Cowboys and Brandon Aubrey reach an agreement before the legal tampering period opens next Monday.
If not, the Cowboys will place a second-round tender on Aubrey. The tender is valued at $5.8 million and would all but ensure that the All-Pro kicker sticks around for at least one more season.
In the meantime, Dallas needs to address the futures of its other restricted free agents. ESPN reported that offensive lineman T.J. Bass would receive the second-round tender. Of course, that hinges on Aubrey signing an extension, so Bass is in a holding pattern.
While that resolves itself, NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported that the team is not planning to tender center Brock Hoffman, which effectively guarantees his departure.
Sources: #Cowboys are not planning to tender C/G Brock Hoffman as an RFA, making him an unrestricted free agent.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 4, 2026
Hoffman started 14 games over the last two years, proving to be a valuable depth piece at C, LG and RG. Just 26 years old, he should have some real interest. pic.twitter.com/mvZwTqfnUq
The Dallas Cowboys all but say goodbye to Brock Hoffman before NFL free agency
For the last few seasons, the Cowboys have quietly rostered two of the best backup offensive linemen in the league in Hoffman and Bass. Both should be starters in the league, so it was never realistic that they'd be able to keep both of them this offseason.
Hoffman is a sneaky big loss, as he can play center and both guard positions. He plays with an edge and physicality that can’t be taught, and while he took that too far on occasion, the domino effect it had on teammates was evident. That's a luxury few teams have on the bench.
Hoffman appeared in 54 games in four seasons, including 16 starts. He allowed just two sacks, seven quarterback hits, and 23 pressures on 695 pass-blocking snaps, per Pro Football Focus. Pretty impressive for a guy who was moved all over the IOL, logging 684 snaps at center and 526 at guard.
Just 26 years old, Hoffman should fetch a significant payday on the open market. Offensive line depth is at a premium across the league, and the North Carolina native has shown the ability to play all three interior positions at an adequate level.
It would be a surprise if Hoffman isn't a starting center next season. While it's not viewed as a premium position, a lot of teams need one.
The Cowboys have learned through Cooper Beebe just how important it is to have a formidable presence at center. While Hoffman isn't as physically or technically gifted as Beebe, the team that signs him will get a player who loves to maul opponents and protect his teammates.