The opening hours of the NFL’s new league year often bring confusion as reports, negotiations, and last-minute changes unfold across the league. One such situation emerged late Tuesday night, involving a Dallas Cowboys offensive lineman and a rumored deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers, which quickly sparked conversation across NFL circles.
Brock Hoffman Denies Pittsburgh Steelers Signing Report Amid Free Agency Confusion
Reports initially suggested that Cowboys offensive lineman Brock Hoffman had found his next destination. According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, Hoffman had agreed to a $2.5 million deal with the Steelers that would reunite him with head coach Mike McCarthy.
However, that report quickly came into question.
Nick Harris, a Cowboys insider with the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, later reported that the situation was not finalized. According to Harris, Hoffman himself clarified that no agreement had been reached with the Steelers or any other team.
Just talked to Cowboys free agent OL Brock Hoffman who said he has NOT agreed to any deal with Pittsburgh or anywhere else.
He is still a free agent.
— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisFWST) March 11, 2026
The development cast doubt on Schultz’s earlier report, which was eventually removed. As of now, Hoffman remains an unrestricted free agent heading into the official start of the 2026 NFL league year, which begins Wednesday at 4:00 p.m. ET.
The confusion comes during a busy stretch of the offseason when teams and agents are actively negotiating during the legal tampering period. Deals often leak before contracts are finalized, and this situation appears to be a possible example of premature reporting.
Looks like @Schultz_Report deleted the Brock Hoffman tweet. Damn! #Steelers #NFL pic.twitter.com/4BiIh2vNl4
— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) March 11, 2026
Hoffman’s free agency status became possible because the Cowboys chose not to place a restricted free agent tender on him prior to the negotiating window. That decision allowed the 26-year-old offensive lineman to enter the open market without restrictions.
Despite not being a full-time starter during his career, Hoffman has proven to be a versatile and reliable option along the offensive line. During his time with the Cowboys, he has started games at center, right guard, and left guard, providing valuable depth for a unit that has dealt with multiple injuries in recent seasons.
Since entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent out of Virginia Tech in 2022, Hoffman has appeared in 54 games and made 16 starts across four seasons with the Cowboys. His ability to play multiple interior positions has made him an attractive option for teams looking to strengthen their offensive line depth.
The Steelers, in particular, appear to have a need at left guard following the departure of Isaac Seumalo. Early speculation suggested Hoffman could compete with Spencer Anderson, who is entering the final year of his contract, for the starting role.
For now, however, the Steelers’ plans remain unresolved.
It is still possible that negotiations between Hoffman and the Steelers are ongoing and that the earlier report simply surfaced before terms were finalized. Another possibility is that talks stalled or changed direction after the initial leak.
Until a deal is officially announced, Hoffman remains available on the open market, leaving the Steelers and other teams still searching for answers along the offensive line.
