FRISCO, Texas – The Dallas Cowboys have agreed to a one-year deal with offensive lineman Matt Hennessy, the team announced Friday morning. The move bolsters depth on the offensive line as the Cowboys navigate the early stages of NFL free agency.
Hennessy, 28, most recently played for the San Francisco 49ers, appearing in 17 games during the 2025 regular season with two starts. He joined San Francisco in December 2024 after a stint on the Atlanta Falcons’ practice squad, according to reports. This signing addresses a key need for the Cowboys, who have seen some movement among their interior offensive line reserves.
The Falcons originally selected Hennessy in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft after a standout career at Temple University. At Temple, he earned First Team All-AAC and Third Team All-American honors in 2019, establishing himself as a versatile and reliable offensive lineman.
During his time in Atlanta, Hennessy showcased his ability to play multiple positions. He started all 17 games at center for the Falcons in his second season. However, his subsequent seasons were impacted by injuries. A knee injury sidelined him for the final two games of the 2022 season, and another knee injury kept him off the field for the entire 2023 campaign.
Following four years with the Falcons, Hennessy spent time with the Philadelphia Eagles during the 2024 offseason before returning to Atlanta in September, joining their practice squad. He played in four games for the Falcons before being signed to the 49ers’ active roster in December 2024. His ability to contribute in a limited role for San Francisco demonstrated his continued value as a veteran presence.
The Cowboys have prioritized depth along the offensive line in recent years, and Hennessy provides experience at both center and guard. This versatility is particularly valuable given the current state of the Cowboys’ roster. At the start of the offseason, two key depth players on the Cowboys’ offensive line, T.J. Bass and Brock Hoffman, became restricted free agents. Dallas extended a second-round offer to Bass, but opted not to make an offer to Hoffman, making him an unrestricted free agent.
Should Hoffman sign with another team, Hennessy provides the Cowboys with a player with similar experience at multiple interior offensive line positions. This ensures the team has reliable options in case of injury or unexpected roster changes. The addition of Hennessy is the sixth free agency addition for Dallas this offseason, joining safety Jalen Thompson, defensive tackle Otito Ogbonnia, safety P.J. Locke, quarterback Sam Howell, and defensive complete Tyrus Wheat.
The Cowboys’ offensive line has been a cornerstone of their success in recent seasons, and maintaining depth is crucial for continued performance. Hennessy’s arrival provides a valuable insurance policy and adds competition to the position group. His experience and versatility will be assets as the Cowboys prepare for the 2026 season.
The Cowboys will continue to evaluate their options as free agency progresses, but the addition of Hennessy is a significant step in solidifying the offensive line for the upcoming season. The team will now turn its attention to the upcoming NFL Draft, where they may gaze to add further depth and talent to the offensive line.
What’s Next: The Cowboys will continue free agency evaluations and begin preparations for the 2026 NFL Draft, scheduled to begin April 25th. Further roster moves are expected as the team looks to finalize its depth chart before the start of the season.
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