Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Chuma Edoga signs new contract

Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Chuma Edoga has signed a new contract to stay in DFW after one season with the organization, according to Michael Gehlken. Playing in all 17 regular season games for Dallas at various positions, Edoga made six starts in 2023, which is the second-most yet in his five-year NFL career. He played for the Cowboys on a one-year deal for $1.23 million and is now signing on a veteran salary benefit deal with a “sizeable guarantee.”

Edoga is a former third-round pick out of USC. The New York Jets snagged him in the 2019 NFL Draft. He was in and out of the lineup for New York over his first three years, appearing in 23 games during that span. After the Jets released him, the Atlanta Falcons picked him up. He appeared in two games for the team in 2022. Edoga played left guard for the Falcons before suffering a season-ending knee injury.

Edoga is just 26 years old and was a solid option as a flex tackle this season for Dallas. They also received significant contributions from rookie T.J. Bass, as well as Asim Richards. The offensive line as a unit gave up 36 sacks on quarterback Dak Prescott in 2023 while dealing with various injuries.

The backup lineman’s signing has become even more important since the start of the league new year. Considering the team let Tyron Smith and Tyler Biadasz, both starters, walk for new deals elsewhere, they need all the depth they can get.

More on the 2024 NFL offseason, free agency

The NFL 2024 calendar year begins at 4 p.m. ET on March 13. At that time, contracts running through 2023 officially run out, making those players free agents. Prior to the beginning of free agency, teams will have a chance to designate one franchise or transition tag player, starting on Feb. 20 at 4 p.m. ET and ending on March 5. Beginning March 11 through March 13 teams can enter into a legal negotiation with players who are will become unrestricted free agents.

In addition to NFL free agency, the new year also marks the beginning of all trades being made official by the league office. April 19 marks the deadline to sign restricted free agents to offer sheets. On April 24, the deadline for teams to match restricted free agent offers sheets hits. Following the restricted free agent deadline follows the 2024 NFL Draft, which runs from April 25-27.