Going into training camp, Chuma Edoga factored into the Dallas Cowboys‘ offensive line plans in various different ways. However, those plans may be put on halt as he is reportedly expected to miss 4-6 weeks with a broken toe.
With the veteran lineman now on the mend for at least the beginning of the season, Dallas may now look to add another veteran piece.
5 Free Agents Cowboys Could Look to Sign
When the Cowboys drafted former Oklahoma Sooner Tyler Guyton in the first round of this year’s draft, the assumption was that he was going to be the guy at left tackle.
While that looks to be coming true, Edoga was brought in as a safety valve in case it didn’t pan out as they had hoped.
In addition to being insurance for Guyton, Edoga also provided depth on the offensive line at multiple positions. Now, the Cowboys will be on the hunt to find a player who may fill a similar role.
David Bakhtiari
In the case of longtime Green Bay Packer David Bakhtiari, it has never been about ability but more so about availability. The veteran tackle has only appeared in 13 games over the last three seasons as he continues to battle injuries.
It’s safe to assume that his age and recent injury history are why he is still a free agent.
However, the Cowboys may not need Bakhtiari to be an every-week performer. And if he is healthy and available, having Bakhtiari on ice to come play in a pinch could be valuable to this Dallas team.
Fake jump set via David Bakhtiari. 301 level tackle play. pic.twitter.com/sYNxLoDSKi
— Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL) August 2, 2024
Bakhtiari is a three-time Pro Bowler and a five-time All-Pro, and he played under Mike McCarthy during his time in Green Bay. With that experience and knowledge, he could be a huge benefit to a young guy like Guyton.
As long as the money makes sense, the Cowboys could and should consider this move.
Charles Leno
Adding experience and a veteran presence will continue to be a constant theme here as the Cowboys replace what Edoga brought to their locker room. Adding Charles Leno under this criteria checks all of the boxes. He’s a one-time Pro Bowler who has started 141 games and appeared in 149 of them, including 30 of the last two seasons.
MORE: Simulate the NFL Season With PFN’s Playoff Predictor
Leno has spent the last three years with the Washington Commanders, giving the Cowboys an up-close look at him twice a year during that span. They know what he is and what he can be. While he isn’t a full-time starter, Dallas doesn’t need him to be.
Like anything else with the Cowboys, it comes down to money. And in the case of Leno, who is still available on the free agent market, the price shouldn’t scare them away if they want to add him to the mix.
D.J. Humphries
Another one-time Pro Bowler the Cowboys should consider bringing in is D.J. Humphries. The veteran offensive lineman is currently a free agent for the first time after spending his entire eight-year career with the Arizona Cardinals.
During his Cardinals tenure, Humphries has shown position flexibility, playing both tackle spots and in the interior. He is only two years removed from a Pro Bowl season and has made 39 starts over the last three seasons, checking all of the boxes of a quality late-training campo signing for the Cowboys.
Donovan Smith
Much like Bakhtiari, Donovan Smith’s injury history could be the main reason he is still available right now. After missing only two games in his first seven seasons, Smith has missed nine over the last two. Despite that, he has been a consistent fixture on the offensive line over the last nine years, tallying 136 career starts.
Marpet and Donovan Smith just dropping bodies. Marpet hunting Tillery. Jensen buried his guy after I cut the play too. Such an edge to this OL pic.twitter.com/IkadcRqPUb
— Jon Ledyard (@LedyardNFLDraft) October 5, 2020
After spending 2023 with the Kansas City Chiefs, capped off by a Super Bowl title, Smith can bring stability and a veteran presence to a group that looks to rally around a rookie left tackle.
Bobby Evans
Unlike the four names mentioned earlier, Bobby Evans’ path to this point has been unconventional. Fresh off of a year where played for the Arlington Renegades in the United Football League, Evans is still currently unsigned and looking for a home on an NFL roster.
Dallas struck gold when it dipped its toe in the spring football league before, most notably with wide receiver KaVontae Turpin and kicker Brandon Aubrey. While both of those players were Pro Bowlers in their first seasons with the team, Evans wouldn’t be expected to bring the same impact in this case.
FREE: Subscribe to PFN’s NFL Newsletter
The young offensive lineman was a third-round pick of the Los Angeles Rams in 2019 and is fresh off an All-UFL season. He has drawn interest from NFL teams this offseason, with the most recent case being a workout with the Cleveland Browns in June. However, he remains unsigned.
With the Cowboys now potentially looking to add, Evans may get a chance to stay in Texas after all.