There could be major changes to the Dallas Cowboys' offensive line this season.
Veteran Tyron Smith, long one of the top offensive line units in the entire NFL, could be headed out as an unrestricted free agent, and center Tyler Biadasz is on the move, especially given Dallas' dire salary cap situation. This could pave the way for some rookies arriving in 2024, which may not be a top priority for re-signing.
Pro Football Focus believes the Cowboys are the ideal player for Las Vegas Raiders center Andre James. Andre James is projected to be the outlet's No. 2 ranked center this offseason.
“Dallas will likely consider replacing the smart center in the skyline with another center in James,” Brad Spielberger wrote for PFF. “He scored a career-high in points as a run blocker and pass protector in 2023, and has barely missed a snap since taking over as a starter. James has done well rushing in zone and gap schemes, and Dallas never missed a snap. I didn’t take the line lightly.”
If the Cowboys are going to take the next step in 2024 and make it past the NFC Divisional Playoffs for the first time in 29 years, keep Dak Prescott upright and open running lanes for players next to him in the backfield. That will be the top priority on offense. .
The Cowboys could look to the NFL Draft to replace Biadas as a younger, cheaper option if he is available elsewhere. But James is a proven veteran, which should alleviate concerns about working as a developing player in the middle of the offensive line of what is expected to be the most prolific offensive line in the league.
What Andre James brings to the Cowboys
James has yet to be named to a Pro Bowl or All-Pro team, but he is a rising talent at a key position.
According to Pro Football Focus, James was the No. 9 ranked center in the NFL during the 2023 season, but allowed just four sacks and 19 total quarterback pressures on 963 total snaps with the Raiders.
Meanwhile, James' 12.8 percent run-block grade at PFF could be the key to unlocking the Cowboys' rushing offense, which finished the 2023 season ranked 14th in the NFL while averaging just 112.9 rushing yards per game.
The Cowboys will have to get creative to be in a position to spend a lot of money in free agency, which is currently projected to be $14.2 million. that's all With cap availability, James could be an affordable option. Over the Cap projects James' market value to be around $4.32 million annually.
Cowboys to rename AT&T Stadium during FIFA World Cup
AT&T Stadium, home of the Cowboys, is one of the most famous venues in the world and will host games during the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
However, during these contests, the stadium will not bear the name of the corporate sponsor. In accordance with strict FIFA rules, AT&T Stadium will become “Dallas Stadium” for host games.
The new name isn't the only thing that changes.
Ahead of the World Cup, the Cowboys will install a natural grass soccer field in place of an artificial turf field, as FIFA does not allow games to be played on grass. In addition, the stadium will undergo new renovations costing more than $295 in preparation for the World Cup.
