Cowboys projected as free agency fit for arch-rival offensive lineman

In this story:
NFL Free Agency is less than a month away, and the Dallas Cowboys are at the top of the list in terms of needs.
One area where Dallas could really use some help is along the offensive front, where outside of Tyler Smith and perhaps Cooper Beebe, there are mostly unknowns. That is particularly the case at right guard, where it is unclear whether or not Zack Martin will return, retire, or hit free agency.
Fortunately, there may be a solution on the horizon. And he could be coming from a heated rival.
MORE: NFL expert has Cowboys replacing Osa Odighizuwa in latest mock draft
According to Bleacher Report, the Cowboys are projected as a free agency fit for Philadelphia Eagles guard Mekhi Becton, who is coming off of a tremendous individual season under Nick Sirianni, as well as a Super Bowl win.

"Becton quickly secured a starting spot and played a massive role in Philly's march to Super Bowl LIX. He started 15 games in the regular season and was graded as the league's 21st-ranked guard, according to Pro Football Focus," Bleacher Report wrote. "The question for guard-needy teams is whether Becton can continue to play well away from the Eagles and offensive line coach Jeff Stoutland. That question has yet to be answered, obviously, but Becton's experience at tackle should give him added value on the open market."
Outside of his fit from a need perspective, Becton would also be a tremendous fit for Dallas based on their new dedication to running the football.
MORE: Micah Parsons discusses 'challenging' Cowboys DC change
Last season, Dallas ranked 27th in the NFL in rushing and was hovering around last place in that category for the majority of the season. Meanwhile in Philadelphia, Becton helped pave the way for the NFL's No. 2 ranked rushing attack and for a near-record-breaking season for running back Saquon Barkley.
Of course, Dallas will have to figure out their cap situation before they can sign any big-money free agents, and Becton is projected to earn around $41 million on the open market.
If they can figure that part out, however, Becton could be close to an ideal fit in Arlington in front of Dak Prescott.
— Enjoy free coverage of the Cowboys from Dallas Cowboys on SI —
6 late-round wide receivers Cowboys should monitor at NFL Combine
5 Cowboys who should see reduced roles in 2025 NFL season
Brian Schottenheimer's full Cowboys coaching staff officially announced
Dallas Cowboys trade back, get help in trenches in 7-round mock draft

Matt Galatzan is the Managing Editor and Publisher of Texas Longhorns On SI and Texas A&M Aggies On SI and a long-time member of the Football Writers’ Association of America. He graduated from the University of Mississippi, where he studied integrated marketing communications, with minors in journalism and business administration. Galatzan started in the sports journalism industry in 2014, covering the Dallas Mavericks and SMU Mustangs with 247Sports. He then moved to Sports Illustrated's Fan Nation network in 2020, eventually taking over as the Managing Editor and Publisher of the Longhorns and Aggies sites a year later. You can find Galatzan on all major social media channels, including Twitter on @MattGalatzan.
Follow @mattgalatzan