The Dallas Cowboys' offseason may ultimately be judged by how George Pickens' contract talks unfold now that he's officially been franchise-tagged, but that shouldn’t overshadow the other moves they make in the meantime.
After all, re-signing Javonte Williams before he could test free agency was great business. And they deserve credit for not caving to Brandon Aubrey's purported contract demands.
There is only so much Dallas can accomplish between now and free agency, but there's always in-house business to attend to, and they reportedly have knocked out a quietly important item on the agenda.
ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported that the Cowboys plan to use the second-round tender on offensive lineman T.J. Bass. This is effectively a one-year, $5.8 million contract for Bass, a former undrafted free agent who's started 10 games for Dallas in three seasons.
Dallas Cowboys to use second-round tender on offensive guard T.J. Bass
Bass is still free to sign an offer sheet with another team. However, the Cowboys can match it to ensure that Bass sticks around. If Dallas does not match it, they would be entitled to a second-round pick as compensation from the 26-year-old's new team.
Offensive line depth is at a premium, and Bass is a starting-caliber lineman, but no team is surrendering a second-round pick for his services. Barring something unprecedented, Bass will be a Cowboy in 2026, and that is great news for this coaching staff.
Speaking to reporters at the NFL Combine, head coach Brian Schottenheimer left no doubt that he wants Bass and fellow RFA Brock Hoffman back (h/t Joseph Hoyt, The Dallas Morning News).
“Both of those guys are studs. They're glue pieces for us. They're always prepared, they're ready. Both of those guys could start for other teams in the league," Schottenheimer said.
It's unclear what this news means for Hoffman, another former UDFA who has started 16 games in four seasons. However, Bass is more valuable, as he's comfortable at both guard positions, logging 490 snaps at left guard and 515 snaps at right guard, per Pro Football Focus.
Bass is quietly one of the better backup OL in the league, so the Cowboys deserve credit for recognizing his value.
After all, their self-scouting hasn't always been up to snuff, as Jerry Jones admitted after the season that he didn't realize how much the defense would miss former nickel cornerback Jourdan Lewis, who signed with the Jaguars in free agency last offseason.
With Dallas still open to moving Tyler Smith to left tackle next season if that’s what’s best for the team, having the flexibility to call Bass' number is a luxury most teams don't have.