Life in the NFL is challenging, especially for a former undrafted free agent like Dallas Cowboys right guard Brock Hoffman. Since entering the league in 2022, Hoffman has consistently worked to secure his place on the team. However, he’s getting a reminder of this lesson in 2025, as a recent free agency acquisition has raised the stakes.

Despite Hoffman’s impressive performance when he stepped in for an injured Zack Martin last season, he now faces a battle to retain his starting position. At the NFL annual meeting in Florida, Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer stressed the importance of competition for every spot on the roster and hinted at potentially shifting Cooper Beebe from center to guard.

Hoffman was already up against tough competition at guard before free agency, with teammate T.J. Bass showing significant improvement each year and being one solid training camp away from securing a starting role. Now, Hoffman must also contend with two new arrivals. By signing recent free agents, the Cowboys are sending an unmistakable message to their up-and-coming offensive lineman: The interior line will be fiercely contested.

In March, the Cowboys brought in seasoned offensive lineman Rob Jones, and now, Saahdiq Charles joins the team as a free agent. While Jones is mainly seen as an experienced player who can provide reliable depth, Charles presents an intriguing addition. Although technically coming out of retirement, he’s only 25 and was expected to start with the Tennessee Titans during last year’s training camp.

His retirement was both unexpected and shrouded in mystery, with “personal reasons” being the sole explanation. Titans head coach Brian Callahan previously stated that Charles didn’t encounter an incident but had decided football was no longer for him. Something changed since then, and the former fourth-round pick is now set to compete with Hoffman and others. Furthermore, considering this is the Cowboys, it’s always possible they might opt for an offensive lineman in the first round.

The front office has consistently shown willingness to make that choice early in the NFL Draft. Although not anticipated this year, all it takes is the right opportunity at the 12th overall pick. Regardless of their draft decision, the message to Hoffman is unmistakable. To resume where he left off and secure the starting spot in September, he must earn it anew.