The Dallas Cowboys have suffered some concerning offensive line injuries in the last few practices, as left tackle Tyler Guyton will miss the rest of the preseason with a knee injury and backup guard Rob Jones is out for an extended period of time with a broken neck.
The Cowboys would be wise to take a look at the free agent market, as thin as it may be, and bring in a veteran like Will Hernandez. After spending the last two years on the Arizona Cardinals being coached by Klayton Adams, who is Dallas' new offensive coordinator, the UTEP alum may be heading back to Texas as an injury replacement for Jones and Guyton.
NFL.com's Kevin Patra listed the Cowboys as the best landing spot for Hernandez. This comes just a few days after Hernandez confirmed he is medically cleared to play after suffering a torn ACL early in the 2024 season, which has impacted his value.
Dallas clearly shouldn't be in the market for injury-prone players after losing multiple expected contributors to injury in recent weeks, but they may have no choice but to take a look at Hernandez if they want to sign the best player available at the position.
Cowboys urged to sign free agent guard Will Hernandez
Patra mentioned that it could be prudent of Dallas to move left guard Tyler Smith over to left tackle as long as Guyton is out, which could prompt a player like Hernandez sliding in at left guard. Hernandez would bring the versatility needed to play both guard spots if called upon.
Cowboys fans might remember Hernandez, a former second-round pick of the New York Giants, struggling with Big Blue. However, he was able to use his freakish strength to great effect with the Cardinals, as he managed to become a much better pass blocker than he was in New York.
Hernandez could be worth a flier as a backup following the Jones injury, as there's no such thing as having too many quality offensive linemen in the modern NFL. With the Eagles ready to compete for another ring and the Giants loading up on pass rushers, Dallas needs all the help it can get.
Hernandez's health is a big concern, as older offensive linemen with serious knee injuries in their recent history rarely turn into elite players. However, his familiarity with the coaching staff might be enough to get a deal done for 2025.