BREAKING: Commanders 'Expected' To Sign Key Cowboys Offensive Lineman

The Dallas Cowboys may lose another one of their own to a division rival once free agency kicks off, as center Tyler Biadasz is expected to sign with the Washington Commanders.

The Dallas Cowboys losing defensive coordinator Dan Quinn to be the head coach of the Washington Commanders was always going to have consequences.

Of course, they’ll be facing off with the NFC East rival twice each season, but the biggest detrimental to Dallas looked like it would be the brain drain Quinn brought about. In naming Joe Whitt Jr. his defensive coordinator, he did just that.

After the legal tampering period began on Monday, Quinn’s Commanders made it clear they weren’t done drawing from Dallas.

© Jerome Miron, USA TODAY

On Monday, Adam Schefter reported that Cowboys center Tyler Biadasz will sign with Washington. That comes just minutes after news that defensive end Dorance Armstrong was also defecting Dallas to sign with Quinn's new team.

“Dan Quinn is bringing in a familiar face: Sources say the #Commanders are expected to sign former #Cowboys C Tyler Biadasz,” he tweeted.

Dan Quinn is bringing in a familiar face: Sources say the #Commanders are expected to sign former #Cowboys C Tyler Biadasz.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 11, 2024

The details of his contract have not yet been released. Pro Football Focus, however, projected him to earn a three-year, $21 million contract.

It quickly became clear that Biadasz was going to be out of Dallas’ price range – a frequent issue given how reluctant the team has been to spend in free agency. The Cowboys will now be tasked with replacing at least two linemen: Biadasz and left tackle Tyron Smith.

Biadasz was Pro Football Focus’ 13th-ranked center in 2023, ahead of Washington’s Nick Gates – also a free agent.

This move makes additional sense for the Commanders, who are likely to draft a rookie quarterback with the No. 2 pick in this year’s NFL Draft. Quarterback Sam Howell took far too many sacks to build an offense around, and a fresh start under center is more than necessary. To help smooth that transition, there’s a good chance a veteran like Biadasz will handle protections at the line of scrimmage.

Notably, Biadasz was only called for three penalties last season, the fifth-least among starting centers. He may not be the biggest fish on the open market, but he’s a consistent, durable, high-effort player that makes sense to invest in, especially given the Commanders’ league-high cap space.

BREAKING: Tony Pollard Makes Free-Agent Contract Decision; Leaving Cowboys?

Biadasz, a former fourth-round pick, will likely be replaced by a cheaper free-agent alternative, a mid-to-late-round rookie, or backup lineman T.J. Bass.

---