The Dallas Cowboys have been busy in the offseason, signing a seemingly almost-new roster moving into the 2025 season. But one major news of departure that broke back in February was future Hall of Famer guard Zack Martin’s retirement after 11 decorated years, leaving a crater-like hole in America’s Team’s offensive line. But as if the stars were meant to align, there was another veteran guard, unretiring.

Back in early August 2024, Saahdiq Charles surprisingly announced that he was stepping away from the game of football, thought to be for “Personal reasons.” The news was a shock since according to the unofficial depth chart, the 25-year-old was bound to be the starting right guard for the Tennessee Titans, who had signed him in the offseason from Washington. Then, the HC Brian Callahan had reasoned, “Brian Callahan: Saahdiq Charles didn’t have an event. Football wasn’t for him anymore. Anything more has to come from him.”

But in March this year, NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo tweeted, “Veteran G Saahdiq Charles is coming out of retirement and will be a free agent available to sign with teams, sources tell The Insiders.” The update also mentioned that the Titans will waive him. As if music to Jerry Jones’ ears, Dallas has announced a new addition.

As per Garafolo’s latest tweet, the Cowboys worked out with the veteran OL on Friday. Now, Charles may not be the household name the Cowboys Nation was looking for, but he does have some qualities that HC Brian Schottenheimer could utilize. For instance, his experience on all five positions at the O-line that has been questioning for some time now. The guard has experience playing right guard, left guard, left tackle and right tackle. And he comes with an interesting resume.

Charles was a part of the historic LSU batch that consisted of the likes of Joe Burrow, Justin Jefferson, Ja’Marr Chase, and more. Coming out of Baton Rouge, he had an undefeated record, 26 career starts, and the 2019 national championship under his belt.

The 6-foot-4, 320-pound guard was selected by the Commanders as a fourth-round pick in 2020, in hopes to replace another future Hall of Famer OL Trent Williams in Washington. However, Charles didn’t live up to his expectations, finishing three of his four seasons on injured reserve. Then came his last season there.

He only appeared in 35 games out of 67 possible outings. And out of those 35 appearances, Charles only started 18 games, all of them coming at guard. But building up his rep again in 2023, he started 10 games for the nation’s capital. Once his $4.09M contract expired, Charles was on his way to Music City.

At that time, the LSU alum mused as he started preparing for his next chapter on reuniting with “I’m gonna go over there with Bill Callahan.” Expected to start at right guard in 2024, Charles never appeared in a single game for the Titans, choosing to retire few weeks into the training camp.

But after a year away from the game, Charles is again looking for a new challenge. And this could come in the form of replacing 9-time Pro Bowler and 7-time First Team All-Pro in Dallas. However, looking at his record, even if he does get in, he is more likely to be a backup right guard. Actually, Charles isn’t the only heir apparent to Martin the Cowboys are looking at. They are firmly interested in bringing someone who also knows how to play all five positions in an O-line.

Is Josh Carlin the next Zack Martin for the Cowboys?

Just a few weeks ago, the Cowboys met with UCLA’s 6-foot-5, 316-pound giant offensive lineman Josh Carlin. Primarily a center, Carlin is famous for his versatility in playing all 5 positions in UCLA’s O-line. Talking with Justin Melo of The Draft Network, Carlin proudly stated what led the Cowboys to him: “They like my versatility and how that’s the biggest aspect of my game.” 

Carlin has played in 53 games for the Bruins, which saw him rack up snaps all over the O-line. Center, tackle, guard, you just name it, Carlin has the experience of every position.

“The first two years of my career at UCLA. I actually played tackle. I bummed down to guard, and then I played a little bit of center this past season..I can snap the football and also play both guard positions. Wherever they need me at the next level. I can plug a hole and just go,” Carlin shared.

Considering his insane flexibility to play anywhere, anytime in an O-line, Carlin could be a steal for the Cowboys. Not only can he replace Martin, but the Cowboys can also get a lot more out of him if needed. This is because offensive linemen are victims of sudden injuries due to the pushing and shoving nature of their game.

So, Carlin’s presence can help the Cowboys keep their O-line intact, keeping those pass rushers miles away from his QB. Now, it’s totally up to Jones whether he wants to cash in now and bring Charles on board or wait until the NFL draft for Carlin to be on the clock for the Cowboys to jump in. But we do know, there’s a possibility we will see Charles beside him. What do you think will happen?