Cowboys Could Find Relief with Now-Cleared Free Agent Lineman

Should the Cowboys Sign Hernandez Amid OL Injuries?

Hernandez brings loads of NFL experience - more than any current Cowboys lineman can speak to.

The seven-year veteran has started 91 of his 95 career games played with the New York Giants and Cardinals. He was drafted by the G-Men in the second round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Steele is the most tenured Cowboys lineman - at least in the projected starting lineup - with five years under his belt.

Hernandez, 29, is known for his pass-protection, grading above a 70 in each of his three seasons in Arizona, according to PFF. Before his injury in Week 6, he ranked 22nd out of 136 graded guards in that category last year.

His pass-blocking prowess could be a vital addition to the Cowboys' line beyond just his substitution for health reasons. Star quarterback Dak Prescott, who just turned 32, has struggled completing a full season in recent years. Assembling as much protection as possible may be an important factor in preparing for this upcoming season, and Hernandez offers more in that regard than anyone available on Dallas' current roster.

There is now a competition for the left tackle spot, with Asim Richards, Nathan Thomas and Hakeem Adiniji being the strongest candidates to fill in. Tyler Smith and Tyler Booker seem locked into the guard spots, but if O-line coach Conor Riley is inclined to mix things up, the All-Pro Smith could handle things on the outside, thus opening up a guard spot for someone like Hernandez.

Throughout the offseason, Riley, offensive coordinator Klayton Adams and head coach Brian Schottenheimer haven't been afraid of shuffling things around in the trenches. But now that process is needed as a result of unfortunate injury luck.

Hernandez being cleared to compete could be another source of luck. The better kind.

The Cowboys have north of $31 million to spend toward the cap. Hernandez's market value, by Spotrac, is listed at $4.3 million APY.