Locked On Cowboys – March 5, 2026

Episode: DECISION: Cowboys Let Brock Hoffman Go, Why TJ Bass Was CHOSEN Over Versatile Center

Main Theme

This episode focuses on the Dallas Cowboys' surprising decision not to tender interior lineman Brock Hoffman, the reasoning behind choosing TJ Bass instead, and the broader implications for the Cowboys’ offensive line and roster management. Hosts Marcus Mosher and Landon McCool break down the contract details, strategic fit, and how the moves impact future draft plans and roster flexibility.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Cowboys Let Brock Hoffman Enter Free Agency

[01:22–05:49]

• Decision Recap: Cowboys opted not to place any tender on Brock Hoffman (undrafted center/guard), letting him walk into free agency.

  • Marcus Mosher points out they could have used an original round ($3.5M) or second round tender ($5.8M), but chose not to, effectively ending Hoffman's Cowboys run.
  • Landon McCool explains: “They didn't want to be left on the hook for paying $10.6 million for two backup, you know, interior offensive linemen.” ([01:53])
  • A trade/minor tender was discussed on a previous episode, but the team seems to have prioritized roster flexibility and financial prudence.

• Versatility vs. Fit:

  • Mosher: “Bass is the better player, Hoffman is the more versatile player. Teams will usually pay for the versatile guy that can play all three interior spots.” ([02:58])
  • Scheme fit likely influenced the decision, with new OL coach Clayton Adams preferring bigger body types.

• Doing Right by Hoffman:

  • Mosher speculates the Cowboys might be allowing Hoffman to maximize his market: “Rather than just trying to keep him on a one year, $3 million deal, they're letting him hit free agency where he can get a bigger contract and maybe the Cowboys can get a comp pick.” ([03:12])

• Well Wishes for Hoffman:

  • McCool: “Everybody that has a Cowboy star...would send nothing but well wishes to Brock Hoffman. We all loved him while he was here. I wanted to see him go make some money.” ([03:53])
  • Mosher: “I think he's going to have a pretty robust market. I think he can be a starting center in the NFL.” ([04:33])

• Market Context / Future:

  • “You're seeing these centers drop like flies out there...It’s an interesting market for him. I think he's going to have lots of opportunity and I really do hope he gets a big payday.” – Landon McCool ([05:15])

2. Why TJ Bass Was Chosen Over Hoffman

[07:04–10:25]

• Tender Details: Cowboys are using the second-round tender to retain guard TJ Bass. He's technically a free agent but unlikely to leave.

• Bass vs. Hoffman Comparison:

  • McCool: “I think he's the better player at guard...I think TJ Bass currently is just a better player at guard. He's a little bit stronger. I think he moves folks a little bit more, especially in the run game.” ([08:52])
  • The staff views Hoffman as “probably a center only in this system” whereas Bass offers more immediate help at guard.
  • Discussion that Bass is more impactful in the run game, and may offer more positional flexibility with Tyler Smith being able to cover tackle if needed.

• Strategic Roster Considerations:

  • McCool: Bass’s presence allows Tyler Smith to be available as a backup tackle, “which is a good solution to have in your back pocket.” ([09:40])

3. What’s Next at Center? – Draft and Depth Implications

[10:25–11:06]

• Backup Center Uncertainty:

  • Mosher: “I don't know who the backup center is right now. I'm assuming it's TJ Bass and that's not a position that he's worked at a ton.”
  • Suggests Cowboys could look to draft a center earlier than expected in a strong O-line draft class.

• Depth Concerns:

  • Mentions that Cooper Beebe is injury-prone and Cowboys may want to draft a center as insurance.

4. Minor Personnel Note: Ready Stewart Returns

[11:06–12:23]

• Stewart's Fit:

  • Brought back on an exclusive-rights free agent deal (very low cost).
  • McCool: “He's a little bit undersized...But we saw him play outside as well. He showed some versatility...You're getting value for him because you're paying him almost nothing and he's a guy who can in a pinch come in and play snaps for you if you need him to.” ([11:06])
  • Mosher: “You also just need corners that are healthy right now with DaRon Bland, you know, still out...It helps to have at least a couple guys that you could run practice with who've played meaningful snaps.” ([11:36])

• Rationale for Retention:

  • “He just sets a floor. He's just a guy that has NFL experience...anybody that you can get out there is I think a nice one, especially again at a cost-controlled rate.” – McCool ([12:01])

Notable Quotes

• “They didn't want to be left on the hook for paying $10.6 million for two backup, you know, interior offensive linemen.”
  — Landon McCool ([01:53])

• “Bass is the better player, Hoffman is the more versatile player. Teams will usually pay for the versatile guy that can play all three interior spots.”
  — Marcus Mosher ([02:58])

• “Rather than just trying to keep him on a one year, $3 million deal, they're letting him hit free agency where he can get a bigger contract and maybe the Cowboys can get a comp pick.”
  — Marcus Mosher ([03:12])

• “I think he's going to have a pretty robust market. I think he can be a starting center in the NFL.”
  — Marcus Mosher ([04:33])

• “I think TJ Bass currently is just a better player at guard. He's a little bit stronger. I think he moves folks a little bit more, especially in the run game.”
  — Landon McCool ([08:52])

• “If you don't feel 100% about your backup left tackle...kicking Bass in at left guard gives you a starter level guard and then kicks Tyler Smith out to tackle.”
  — Landon McCool ([09:40])

Timestamps for Important Segments

• 01:22–05:49: Cowboys’ reasoning for non-tendering Brock Hoffman—financial, fit, and goodwill factors explained
• 07:04–10:25: Why TJ Bass was the pick over Hoffman—on-field skillset, run game strength, roster flexibility
• 10:25–11:06: Center position outlook, potential draft plans
• 11:06–12:23: Returning backup CB Ready Stewart—roster floor discussion and health status overview

Summary Flow

The episode opens with the headline Cowboys’ decision to let Brock Hoffman go, moving into an in-depth analysis of the contractual and scheme realities. The hosts agree the move, while unfortunate sentimentally, was logical given salary cap and roster management priorities. Both express hope that Hoffman will find a starting role (and payday) elsewhere. The episode then turns to why the team chose TJ Bass for the protected interior lineman spot: on-field strength, positional value, and keeping their options open for offensive line shuffling in case of injury. The discussion concludes by previewing draft possibilities at center, underscoring uncertainty in backup depth, and rounds out with a quick note on the retention of cornerback Ready Stewart for injury insurance—all delivered with an informed, conversational, and optimistic tone for the team’s future roster moves.