The Dallas Cowboys could shuffle the offensive line this offseason with multiple players potentially changing positions. Tyler Smith, who is making $24 million annually, may move to left tackle, while Tyler Guyton could return to his natural position at right tackle, a shift that could lead to the team cutting Terence Steele. In this scenario, left guard would be the only vacancy up for grabs.
One of the candidates for the left guard spot is T.J. Bass. The 2023 undrafted free agent served as the swing guard and started a career-high five games, including three at right guard and two at left guard, while logging a career-high 351 snaps across 16 appearances. He missed the regular-season finale due to a knee injury.
The Dallas Cowboys swing guard is a free agent
Dallas Cowboys, T.J. Bass
Jan 14, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys guard T.J. Bass (66) takes the field against the Green Bay Packers for the 2024 NFC wild card game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Since T.J. Bass completed his third accrued season, he is a restricted free agent with three non-guaranteed tender options. The three tenders include the right-of-first refusal tender worth $3.547 million without receiving draft compensation, a second-round tender worth $5.811 million, and a first-round tender worth $8.107 million, ultimately receiving that specific pick if they decline to match. Lastly, the front office can either bypass the tender and sign Bass to a one-year or multi-year deal or let him walk.
Cowboys prepared to make $5 million move on key backup
Dallas Cowboys, TJ Bass, NFL
Oct 29, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys guard T.J. Bass (66) after the game against the Los Angeles Rams at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, the Cowboys are planning to place a second-round restricted free agent tender on T.J. Bass worth $5.811 million for the 2026 season. Teams could bypass the offer sheet and instead explore a trade, similar to when the San Francisco 49ers traded Jordan Mason to the Minnesota Vikings for a few Day 3 picks. This could also indicate that Bass may compete for the starting left guard position since $5.8 million is a lot for a backup.
The Cowboys are planning to use the second-round tender ($5.8M) on guard T.J. Bass, per sources.
Bass is a restricted free agent with 10 career starts. pic.twitter.com/bTC1sa1PLu
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) February 26, 2026
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