Cowboys Turn to Recently Unretired Veteran to Fill Guard Spot Left by Zack Martin
With the NFL Draft rapidly approaching, the Dallas Cowboys continue to fine-tune their roster—and their latest move involves bringing a player out of retirement.
Despite staying relatively quiet during free agency—much to the frustration of standout pass rusher Micah Parsons—Dallas has made a few under-the-radar additions this offseason. Following last week’s trade for Joe Milton III, which cost them a fifth-round pick and earned them a seventh in return, the Cowboys have now agreed to terms with former Washington Commanders offensive lineman Saahdiq Charles.
Charles, who previously stepped away from football, is now making a return. According to Jon Machota of The Athletic, Dallas has signed the 25-year-old to a one-year contract. Charles had last started 10 games in 2023 for Washington but did not suit up at all in 2024 after announcing his retirement for personal reasons.
Cowboys Bring in Charles to Help Fill Void Left by Martin’s Retirement
Though not a household name, Saahdiq Charles is familiar to some in Dallas thanks to his time with NFC East rivals. During his four-year stint with Washington, he started a total of 18 games—including his most productive season in 2023.
He later joined the Tennessee Titans in 2024 and surprisingly won a starting role over Dillon Radunz, before stepping away from the game prior to the start of the season. Now, after officially unretiring on March 12, 2025, Charles has found a new home with the Cowboys.
While he’s not a direct replacement for recently retired Zack Martin, there’s a clear opportunity for Charles to compete for a starting job—particularly at right guard, where Martin’s departure has left a major gap.
Will Charles Start in 2025? It’s a Real Possibility
The Cowboys haven’t had much stability on the interior offensive line since Martin’s injury and subsequent retirement. Brock Hoffman, who started seven games in 2024, remains on the roster, but Charles brings veteran experience and could very well claim the starting spot heading into Week 1.
Even though Washington and Tennessee haven’t exactly boasted elite offensive lines in recent years, Charles’ ability to earn starting roles with both teams speaks to his work ethic and upside.
However, the Cowboys may still look to reinforce the position through the draft. While most mock drafts predict Dallas will prioritize other offensive needs—such as a feature running back or a reliable second wide receiver—there’s still a chance they could look at line depth. Players like Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty and Texas’ Matthew Golden have been commonly linked to Dallas, but NFL.com’s Bucky Brooks recently projected Dallas selecting Missouri offensive lineman Armand Membou, a rare nod toward strengthening the trenches.
Conclusion
The signing of Saahdiq Charles gives the Cowboys flexibility and depth as they prepare for the 2025 season. He may not carry the same pedigree as Zack Martin, but his return to football offers Dallas a potentially valuable option as they rework their offensive line. If the draft doesn’t bring in another interior lineman, Charles could very well be anchoring the right side of the line come opening day.
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