T.J. Bass
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Dallas Cowboys offensive lineman T.J. Bass.
The Dallas Cowboys see a valuable — and relatively inexpensive — asset in versatile offensive lineman T.J. Bass. One valuable enough they’re making an unusual roster move to make sure he doesn’t escape their grasp.
“The Cowboys are planning to use the second-round tender ($5.8M) on guard T.J. Bass, per sources,” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler wrote on Thursday. “Bass is a restricted free agent with 10 career starts.”
In the NFL, a 2nd round tender is a 1-year contract worth either $5.3 million or 110 percent of what the player earned the previous season. Teams use to protect restricted free agents who have been in the NFL for 3 years. Bass made the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2023 and if another team signs Bass to an offer sheet then the Cowboys will get a chance to either match that offer or receive a 2nd round draft pick in compensation.
There is little to no chance another team coughs up a 2nd round pick for Bass, meaning the Cowboys get incredible value on a player who has made 10 starts at different positions and will be counted on to fill in where needed in 2026.
“For those who don’t know a team would pretty much need to give up a 2nd rounder to sign him (never happens),” The Draft Lives Here wrote on its official X account.
From Pro Football Rumors: “Bass has been a key backup in Dallas, starting 10 games in relief during his career. Part of the Cowboys’ 2023 UDFA class, the Oregon alum has logged between 315 and 351 offensive snaps in each of his three seasons. Bass split his time nearly equally at LG and RG last season, making starts in relief of Tyler Smith and Tyler Booker. Pro Football Focus graded Bass 29th overall among qualified guards last season.”