Life in the NFL Isn’t Easy, Especially for an Undrafted Free Agent – Brock Hoffman’s Journey to Hold His Starting Spot

A Fight for His Spot

Since his arrival to the NFL in 2022, Dallas Cowboys right guard Brock Hoffman has learned firsthand that life in the league isn’t easy, particularly when you’re an undrafted free agent. Hoffman’s strong play last season, stepping in for an injured Zack Martin, helped him carve out a role on the roster. However, as the 2025 season approaches, it’s clear that Hoffman’s position on the starting offensive line is far from secure. The Cowboys have made it abundantly clear: competition at every position is key, and Hoffman will need to earn his spot once again.

A Competitive Battle at Guard

Brock Hoffman may have impressed last year, but his starting role is far from guaranteed. Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer emphasized at the NFL Annual Meeting in Florida that he wants competition at every position on the team. This includes the interior of the offensive line. Hoffman, who has already been facing tough competition from teammate T.J. Bass, will now be competing with two new additions to the team: veteran offensive lineman Rob Jones and a surprising returnee, Saahdiq Charles.

New Signings Raise the Stakes

The recent free agency signings by the Cowboys have sent a clear message to Hoffman and the rest of the offensive line. First, the Cowboys brought in veteran offensive lineman Rob Jones in March, a signing that provides depth and leadership, but isn’t expected to immediately challenge for a starting spot. The more intriguing move came with the signing of Saahdiq Charles. Although Charles technically comes out of retirement, he’s only 25 years old and was once expected to start for the Tennessee Titans entering training camp last season. His sudden retirement, citing “personal reasons,” raised eyebrows, but now he’s back, and he’ll be a serious contender for a starting role in Dallas.

A Shocking Turn for Saahdiq Charles

The addition of Charles is particularly fascinating. Despite his brief retirement, he remains a young player with a promising future. His last-minute exit from the Titans was shrouded in mystery, with very little detail about why he stepped away from the game. However, with the Titans head coach Brian Callahan’s admission that Charles simply didn’t want to play football anymore, something seems to have changed. Now, Charles is eager to compete once again and could pose a real threat to Hoffman’s position as the starting right guard.

Could the Cowboys Add a First-Round Pick?

In addition to the free-agent signings, the Cowboys have a history of using early draft picks to strengthen their offensive line. While it’s not expected that the team will use their No. 12 overall pick on an offensive lineman this year, the possibility cannot be ruled out. If the right prospect falls to the Cowboys in the draft, they could very well decide to invest heavily in bolstering their line with a top-tier talent. That could mean more competition for Hoffman and his job, making it clear that he must prove his worth every day.

A Clear Message for Brock Hoffman

As the Cowboys head into the 2025 season, one thing is certain: Brock Hoffman must earn his spot all over again. Despite his solid play last year, he’ll face significant competition both from within the team and potentially from an incoming first-round draft pick. Hoffman’s performance in training camp and throughout the preseason will be critical to determining whether he starts at right guard in September. The Cowboys have sent a loud and clear message: nothing is handed to you in the NFL, and if Hoffman wants to keep his role, he’ll have to continue proving himself on a daily basis.

A Tough Road Ahead

For Brock Hoffman, the next few months will be crucial in determining his future with the Cowboys. The competition at guard is fierce, and every offseason move the Cowboys make seems to signal that no position is safe. For Hoffman, the road ahead may be tough, but it’s also an opportunity to prove he belongs as a permanent fixture on the Cowboys’ offensive line. The message is clear: If Hoffman wants to secure the starting job in September, he’ll have to fight for it—just like he’s fought for everything else in his NFL journey.