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Dak Prescott, Cowboys dealt bad news on Saturday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Mar 21, 2026 2:03 PM ET

Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys didn't have the 2025 NFL season they were hoping for. Not only did they finish with a 7-9-1 record under first-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer, but the Cowboys also missed the playoffs for a second-straight season.

And while Dallas' offense was one of the best in the league, it was the defense that really doomed them.

While the Cowboys may have struggled as a whole, the same cannot be said for Prescott. The former Mississippi State quarterback earned his fourth Pro Bowl nod after completing 404-of-600 passes for 4,552 yards, 30 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

Having one of the best pass-catching duos in CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens certainly helps. But now, heading into 2026, Prescott will be without one of his protectors.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4).Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Brock Hoffman, after spending his college career at Coastal Carolina and Virginia Tech, went undrafted in the 2022 NFL Draft before being picked up by the Cleveland Browns. The center initially made the Browns’ practice squad during his rookie season but was released midway through the year, later joining the Cowboys a little over a week later.

Hoffman began his tenure in Dallas on the practice squad before eventually signing to the active roster in 2023. While not a full-time starter, he has appeared in more than 50 games for the Cowboys, earning starts at both center and guard when players such as Tyler Biadasz, Zack Martin and Cooper Beebe were injured.

But following the 2025 season, Hoffman saw his one-year, $1.1 million deal with the Cowboys come to an end, becoming an unrestricted free agent. And he decided to join his former head coach, Mike McCarthy, signing a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers and leaving Prescott and the Cowboys without reliable offensive line depth.

"Now official. Cowboys lose Brock Hoffman, who rejoins Mike McCarthy," NFL reporter Ed Werder wrote on X. "His demeanor and play style fit the Steelers."

Now official. Cowboys lose Brock Hoffman, who rejoins Mike McCarthy. His demeanor and play style fit the Steelers. https://t.co/7gbUoOPScm
— Ed Werder (@WerderEdNFL) March 21, 2026