The Dallas Cowboys see a valuable — and relatively inexpensive — asset in versatile offensive lineman T.J. Bass. One valuable enough they’re making an unusual roster move to make sure he doesn’t escape their grasp.
“The Cowboys are planning to use the second-round tender ($5.8M) on guard T.J. Bass, per sources,” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler wrote on Thursday. “Bass is a restricted free agent with 10 career starts.”
In the NFL, a 2nd round tender is a 1-year contract worth either $5.3 million or 110 percent of what the player earned the previous season. Teams use to protect restricted free agents who have been in the NFL for 3 years. Bass made the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent in 2023 and if another team signs Bass to an offer sheet then the Cowboys will get a chance to either match that offer or receive a 2nd round draft pick in compensation.
There is little to no chance another team coughs up a 2nd round pick for Bass, meaning the Cowboys get incredible value on a player who has made 10 starts at different positions and will be counted on to fill in where needed in 2026.
“For those who don’t know a team would pretty much need to give up a 2nd rounder to sign him (never happens),” The Draft Lives Here wrote on its official X account.
From Pro Football Rumors: “Bass has been a key backup in Dallas, starting 10 games in relief during his career. Part of the Cowboys’ 2023 UDFA class, the Oregon alum has logged between 315 and 351 offensive snaps in each of his three seasons. Bass split his time nearly equally at LG and RG last season, making starts in relief of Tyler Smith and Tyler Booker. Pro Football Focus graded Bass 29th overall among qualified guards last season.”
T.J. Bass Starred in Pac-12 Before Going Undrafted
Bass, 6-foot-4 and 325 pounds, played 1 season at Idaho before 2 seasons at a junior college. He transferred to Oregon and played 3 seasons, where he was a 2-time All-Pac-12 pick and played his final season with current Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix.
It was that final season with Nix, in 2022, where Bass was moved from the position he started at the previous 2 years — guard — to left offensive tackle to protect Nix’s blind side.
Projected as Late Round Pick in 2023 NFL Draft
NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein projected Bass as a 5th or 6th round pick ahead of the 2023 NFL draft.
“Former tackle projecting to guard-only prospect with a broad frame, good power and below-average athleticism. Bass’ lack of arm length will be a concern at any O-line position, but he plays with inside hands and decent know-how, so he should be able to work around it,” Zierlein wrote. “He’s tight-hipped and doesn’t play with great pad level or a wide base but still manages to create some movement with powerful leg drive. He lacks lateral quickness as a zone blocker and loses effectiveness the further he gets away from home base. Bass’ toughness and size will give him a leg up in a battle for a backup role.”
Bass made the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent and played in all but 3 regular-season games through his first 3 seasons, including a career-high 5 starts in 2025. he also played out the entirety of his 3-year, $2.75 million rookie contract.
Cowboys Make Unusual Roster Move for $5.8 Million Undrafted Free Agent