FRISCO, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys finally looked across the ball on Thursday night. After a defensive-heavy start to the 2026 free agency period, Dallas reached an agreement with former San Francisco 49ers center Matt Hennessy. The veteran lineman provides a much-needed insurance policy for a front five that spent much of last season shuffling bodies to keep Dak Prescott upright.
Hennessy, 28, isn’t just a depth piece; he’s a battle-tested interior presence. Originally a third-round selection by the Atlanta Falcons in 2020, Hennessy found his footing in San Francisco last year. He suited up for all 17 regular-season games in 2025, providing stability for a Niners squad that leaned on his versatility at both center and guard. With 64 career games and 24 starts under his belt, he brings a level of veteran poise that the Dallas locker room lacked during their 7-9-1 campaign last fall.
The move represents only the second offensive addition for the Cowboys this week. While the front office spent the early hours of the legal tampering window hunting defensive stars, the need for a reliable backup—or potential challenger—to the interior spots became glaring. Hennessy’s ability to pull and hit second-level defenders fits the vision of new offensive coordinator Klayton Adams perfectly. He doesn’t just block; he clears paths with a nastiness Dallas fans will appreciate.
“This team is clearly changing its DNA. We’re getting tougher, we’re getting more versatile, and Matt is exactly the kind of guy who can step in and play three different positions if the whistle blows. You need that in this league.”
— Mike McCarthy, Cowboys Head Coach
The Hennessy signing is the latest chapter in what has been a frenetic week at The Star. The Cowboys have been aggressive, dealing Osa Odighizuwa to the 49ers for a 2026 third-round pick and shipping Solomon Thomas to Tennessee. Those moves cleared the cap space needed to land safety Jalen Thompson on a massive three-year, $36 million contract and secure a trade for Green Bay pass-rusher Rashan Gary.
With Hennessy now in the fold alongside new faces like quarterback Sam Howell and defensive tackle Otito Ogbonnia, the Cowboys’ 2026 identity is taking shape. They are younger, cheaper in key areas, and significantly deeper. For a team that struggled with late-game fatigue last season, these moves suggest a pivot toward a more sustainable, physical brand of football. The question now is whether this patchwork line can coalesce before the preseason kicks off in August.
