Dallas Cowboys Inform Veteran LT He Is Being Cut, Agents Exploring Next-Team Options

Arlington, TX – September 10, 2025

The Dallas Cowboys made a roster move this week, releasing veteran offensive lineman Hakeem Adeniji after their Week 1 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles (20-24). Team sources confirm that Adeniji’s representatives are actively exploring options with other NFL teams needing offensive line depth.

Adeniji, 27, signed a one-year, $1.2 million contract with Dallas in April 2025 as a vested veteran to bolster depth at tackle and guard. However, he was a healthy scratch for the Week 1 game at Lincoln Financial Field, where the Cowboys’ offensive line struggled, allowing 7 pressures and 2 sacks on Dak Prescott. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer, who replaced Mike McCarthy in the 2025 offseason, has prioritized versatility and performance, leaving little room for underperforming veterans.

Drafted in the sixth round by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2020, Adeniji has appeared in 53 games with 15 starts, including a start in Super Bowl LVI. Known for his ability to play both guard and tackle, he was expected to provide swing tackle depth, especially with rookie left tackle Tyler Guyton returning from a knee injury. However, Adeniji’s preseason performance was lackluster—15 snaps, 2 penalties (holding, false start), and a PFF grade of 48.7—failing to secure a role over younger linemen like Ajani Cornelius and Nate Thomas.

“This is a competitive roster, and we need players who can step up immediately,” Schottenheimer said. “Hakeem worked hard, but we’re building around a core that can protect Dak and execute our scheme consistently.”

The Cowboys’ offensive line, ranked 25th in the NFL for pass protection after Week 1, is a work in progress. With Zack Martin retired in 2025 and Tyler Guyton back as the starting left tackle (62 snaps, 1 sack allowed in Week 1), the team leans on veterans like Terence Steele (right tackle, struggling with 3 penalties) and Tyler Smith (left guard, Pro Bowl caliber). Center Jake Ferguson and right guard Brock Hoffman round out the starting unit, but depth remains a concern. Releasing Adeniji signals confidence in younger players like Cornelius, a 2025 draft pick, and Nate Thomas, who started in Guyton’s absence during camp.

The move frees a roster spot and minimal cap space (~$1M), potentially for a veteran signing to address ongoing pass protection issues (42 pressures allowed in 2024 season). It also opens opportunities for practice squad call-ups like Trevor Keegan.

At 27, Adeniji’s experience and positional flexibility make him a candidate for teams needing immediate offensive line help. Potential landing spots include the Kansas City Chiefs (backup LT need), Carolina Panthers (depth issues), or Philadelphia Eagles (post-Jordan Mailata injury concerns). His agents are reportedly in talks with multiple teams, leveraging his Super Bowl experience and low-cost contract.

Fans on X and local forums are divided. Some praise the Cowboys’ focus on youth, citing Cornelius’s potential and Guyton’s return as positive signs. Others express concern over losing depth, especially with Steele’s inconsistent play (PFF grade 52.3 in Week 1) and the offensive line’s overall struggles. One X post read: “Cutting Adeniji already? Hope we don’t regret this if Guyton or Steele goes down.”

The Cowboys’ decision underscores Schottenheimer’s emphasis on performance and adaptability in a competitive NFC East race. With a Week 2 matchup against the New York Giants looming, Dallas aims to shore up its line to protect Prescott and improve run blocking for Javonte Williams. Adeniji’s departure reflects a broader strategy: no roster spot is guaranteed, and the Cowboys are betting on their young core to step up.