The Dallas Cowboys have a hole to fill along their outstanding offensive line. Right Tackle Doug Free has let it be known that he intends to retire from the NFL. ESPN Cowboys reporter Todd Archer had the following to say regarding the news.
“The Cowboys will have another hole to fill. Right tackle Doug Free has informed the team he intends to retire, according to sources. Free, 33, has started every game he has played since 2010 and has been the right tackle since 2012. The Cowboys drafted Chaz Green in the third round in 2015 but he has battled hip, foot and back injuries his first two seasons.”
Free has been a stalwart along the Cowboys offensive line for 10 seasons. He spent his entire career with the Cowboys as a former 4th round pick from Northern Illinois in 2007. Pro Football Focus graded Free as the 40th best tackle in 2016.
Dallas also lost guard Ronald Leary to the Broncos this offseason. With La’el Collins returning from injury to filling in at guard, Dallas will still need to find a right tackle. Chaz Green could be an option but has been injury plagued. Dallas will pick up $5 million in cap space thanks to his retirement.
