The Dallas Cowboys have several members of their 2024 draft class in key roles this season and need big things from all of them. One is center Cooper Beebe, who has already been a full-time starter but has plenty of room to develop his craft. Our next roster rundown profiles Beebe ahead of a hopeful third-year leap in 2026.
Background
Years in NFL: 2
Acquired by: 2024 3rd-round pick
Before Beebe came to Dallas, Tyler Biadasz had been the starting center for the majority of four seasons. He performed adequately,
but not enough that the Cowboys wanted to give him a substantive contract extension. Biadasz’s rookie deal ended and he quickly signed with the Commanders that March. Dallas did not replace him in free agency, seemingly content with promoting Brock Hoffman if needed. But the potential of finding a new starter in the upcoming draft was also there.
On the first night of the draft, the Cowboys traded back from 24th to 29th pick with the Lions, obtaining Detroit’s third-round pick as the key piece in the exchange. They used that pick to scoop up Beebe, who some felt was a steal at 73rd overall. Though he played guard in college, Beebe was touted as a potential center and the Cowboys quickly made it clear that they intended to play him there. It didn’t take long for Beebe to be named the starter during the offseason.
Beebe finished his rookie season as the 15th-ranked center according to Pro Football Focus. He had a slow start, but was doing his best work in the second half of the year. Naturally, Beebe returned as the starter in 2025. His performance graded out about the same, which disappointed those hoping for second-year growth. But Beebe also missed six games with an ankle injury, taking him out of the lineup from Weeks 3-8. He came back and maintained his general level of play, but the missed time likely played a big part in his not making gains. Beebe also had to adjust to a new offensive coaching staff last year, which may have contributed.
Contract Status
Years Left: 2
2026 Cap Hit: $1.62 million
We’re halfway through Beebe’s rookie deal and enjoying the savings that come from it. This season will be huge for positioning Beebe for contract talks in 2027, when Dallas may look to get ahead of his 2028 free agency with an early extension.
2026 Projections
Role: Starting C
Roster Chance: 100%
There isn’t much to discuss here. Beebe’s the unquestioned starter and has no real competition for the job. Even Hoffman’s gone now, leaving in free agency to reunite with Mike McCarthy in Pittsburgh. The Cowboys have signed veteran center Matt Hennessy to replace Hoffman, but he hasn’t been a full-time starter since 2021. He’s a backup through and through, and even his roster spot isn’t guaranteed.
While he’ll go unchallenged as the starter, Beebe will still face some scrutiny in 2026. The third-year leap is not only hoped for, it’s an expectation given his hype coming into the league. And unfair though it may be, even after all these years, Travis Frederick’s shadow still looms over the center position. The perception of Biadasz suffered from it, and Beebe will too. Expecting him to become a perennial All-Pro isn’t fair, but Frederick’s high standard still sticks in our minds.
Beebe should have every opportunity to improve this year. There’s continuity in the offensive coaching staff and in his teammates. Tyler Smith should be back for All-Pro work to his left, and we’re all excited about Tyler Booker’s second year at right guard. There’s even a strong backup ready in T.J. Bass, so guard play shouldn’t hamper Beebe’s development. It isn’t a leap to think that Beebe could go from an average starter to one of the league’s best in 2026.
Check out our previous player profiles from this series:
G Tyler Booker
S Alijah Clark
TE Jake Ferguson
LB Shemar James
G Trevor Keegan
FB Hunter Luepke
RB Phil Mafah
WR Jonathan Mingo
LS Trent Sieg
EDGE Tyrus Wheat
EDGE Sam Williams
