FRISCO, Texas – The Dallas Cowboys have bolstered their offensive line depth, agreeing to a one-year deal with veteran lineman Matt Hennessy, the team announced Friday. The move comes as the Cowboys navigate the offseason with several key decisions regarding their front five.
Hennessy, 28, brings six years of NFL experience to Dallas, having most recently played for the San Francisco 49ers in 2025. He started two of his 17 games with the 49ers, adding valuable depth to their offensive line rotation. The addition addresses a potential need for interior line flexibility as the Cowboys prepare for the upcoming season.
Originally a third-round pick by the Atlanta Falcons in the 2020 NFL Draft, Hennessy developed into a reliable player during his four seasons with the team. He was selected out of Temple University, where he earned first-team All-American Athletic Conference (AAC) honors and was a third-team All-American in 2019, according to his Wikipedia profile.
A Versatile Addition to the Cowboys’ Line
Hennessy’s versatility is a key asset for the Cowboys. He has experience at both center and guard, providing coach Mike McCarthy with options as they finalize their offensive line configuration. During his time in Atlanta, Hennessy started all 17 games at center in 2021, demonstrating his ability to anchor the position. However, a series of knee injuries in 2022 and 2023 impacted his availability, leading to stints with the Philadelphia Eagles and a return to the Falcons before ultimately landing with the 49ers in December 2024, as reported by the Dallas News.
The Cowboys have prioritized depth on the offensive line in recent years, recognizing its importance in maintaining a competitive edge. The team placed a second-round tender on restricted free agent T.J. Bass, retaining a key piece of their depth. However, they opted not to tender Brock Hoffman, making him an unrestricted free agent. Hennessy’s signing provides a proven veteran presence to fill a potential void should Hoffman sign elsewhere.
Navigating Offensive Line Changes
The Cowboys’ decision to bring in Hennessy reflects a proactive approach to addressing potential weaknesses on the offensive line. According to the official Cowboys website, Hennessy is listed at 6-4 and 295 pounds, bringing a solid build to the interior line. His experience playing multiple positions will be valuable during training camp and throughout the season.
Hennessy’s career statistics, as detailed on Pro-Football-Reference, show he has played in 64 career games, starting 24. While he hasn’t been a full-time starter throughout his career, his experience and versatility make him a valuable addition to the Cowboys’ roster.
The Cowboys will look to Hennessy to provide stability and competition during training camp, as they evaluate their options for the upcoming season. His ability to play both center and guard will be particularly valuable as they assess their depth and potential lineup combinations.
What comes next for the Cowboys’ offensive line will depend on the decisions made by other free agents and the performance of players during training camp. However, the addition of Matt Hennessy provides a solid foundation of experience and versatility as they prepare for the 2026 season.
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