The Dallas Cowboys have made a strategic move to reinforce their offensive line, agreeing to a one-year contract with veteran offensive lineman Saahdiq Charles on Wednesday. The signing, confirmed by a source close to the team, comes as the Cowboys continue to address depth and competition along their front line with the NFL Draft just weeks away.
Charles, 25, brings a wealth of experience to Dallas after spending four seasons with the Washington Commanders, where he was selected in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of LSU. During his tenure in Washington, he appeared in 35 games, starting 18, with snaps at both guard and tackle positions. His versatility and prior starting experience make him a valuable addition to a Cowboys offensive line adjusting to the retirement of All-Pro right guard Zack Martin earlier this offseason.
The journey to Dallas has been an unconventional one for Charles. After signing a one-year deal with the Tennessee Titans in March 2024, he unexpectedly retired during training camp for personal reasons, stepping away from the game just as he was poised to claim a starting role at right guard. However, Charles announced his intent to return to the NFL in March 2025, and the Titans released him from their reserve/retired list, paving the way for his comeback. Following a workout with the Cowboys last week, he impressed the team enough to secure this latest opportunity.
For Dallas, the signing represents a low-risk, high-reward move. Charles joins fellow free-agent addition Robert Jones, who also signed a one-year deal earlier this offseason, as the Cowboys look to rebuild their interior line. With Martin’s departure leaving a significant void at right guard, Charles will likely compete for a role alongside Jones and incumbent Brock Hoffman. His 6’4”, 320-pound frame and experience on both sides of the line offer flexibility as the team aims to solidify its protection for quarterback Dak Prescott.
Charles’ NFL career has been marked by both promise and challenges. A member of LSU’s 2019 national championship team, he entered the league with high expectations but faced setbacks, including injuries that limited his rookie season to just two offensive snaps. His most productive year came in 2023, when he started 10 games at left guard for Washington. Now, after a year away from the game, Charles has a chance to restart his career in Dallas, where a strong training camp could cement his place on the roster.
The Cowboys have been active in free agency since mid-March, with Charles marking their 12th external addition to the roster. While the deal’s financial terms remain undisclosed, it is expected to be a cost-effective signing, aligning with the team’s $37.66 million in available cap space as of Wednesday. The move underscores Dallas’ strategy of blending veteran experience with youth as they prepare for the draft, where further offensive line help could still be on the horizon.