Nick Eatman

While the Cowboys weren't exactly quiet during free agency this spring, there is still plenty of work to do for this team that finished 7-10 in 2024.

Not only did they add some key players in free agency and via trades, but they also re-signed some of the core depth as well.

Still, there are other guys on this team that must take that next step in order for the Cowboys to be successful in 2025.

Today, we'll continue the Next Man Up series with guard T.J. Bass.

• Name:J. Bass

• Position:Guard

• Experience:3nd Year

• Games Played/Starts:32 / 5

• Years Left on Contract:1

• How Acquired:UDFA 2023 (Oregon)

The Past:Since he joined the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent, Bass has been right in the mix of the competition, from making the team as a rookie, to getting some starts early into his career. Bass started a pair of games at guard in 2023 and then three more this past season, especially after the injury to Zack Martin forced the Cowboys to shuffle the line to finish the season. Bass has played mostly guard but his versatile to play center is something the Cowboys have looked into. Bass took some center snaps in practice and training camp and was once considered a candidate for the job before the Cowboys settled on Cooper Beebe, also a converted guard.

The Present:As we still have the NFL Draft approaching next week, it's still a little early to see how the pieces in place for the O-line and where players such as Bass will fit. With Martin announcing his retirement, it leaves an open starting spot at right guard.

Now the Cowboys have already covered their tracks with options by signing Rob Jones (30) and Saahdiq Charles (18), who both have over 15 career starts. Bass and Brock Hoffman are also in the mix, especially with their position flex to play multiple spots. Like any year Bass has been here, he'll enter the offseason and training camp once again having to prove himself.

The Future:While the Cowboys have already signed some outside help and will probably add some more interior help in the draft and post-draft free agency, Bass has some things going for him that should help him stick around and perhaps compete for a starting job. He plays with a tenacity that helps him compete with the bigger defensive linemen but still has plenty of quickness and awareness to get out in space on pulls, sweeps and screens. His body type might be ultimately be better-suited to play center, that's not really a spot open right now with Beebe expected to stay there for Year 2.

But Bass will be a restricted free agent at the end of this season, giving him all the motivation needed to have a strong year and prove his worth as a capable starter and willing and versatile backup for three interior positions.