The Dallas Cowboys have signed offensive guard Saahdiq Charles to a one-year deal, enhancing their offensive line depth. Charles, 25, briefly retired after joining the Tennessee Titans in March 2024, citing personal reasons, and later became a free agent upon his reinstatement. Previously a fourth-round draft pick by the Washington Commanders in 2020, he played 35 games, primarily as a left guard, despite injuries hindering his early career. At LSU, he was part of the 2019 national championship team. Charles joins veteran Robert Jones in competing for the offensive guard position left vacant by Zack Martin.
FRISCO, Texas – The Cowboys are bolstering their offensive line depth by finalizing a one-year contract with offensive guard Saahdiq Charles on Wednesday.
Charles, 25, had signed a one-year contract with the Tennessee Titans in March 2024 but surprisingly retired shortly after training camp commenced due to personal reasons. On March 12, he revealed his decision to return from retirement, leading the Titans to release him so he could enter free agency upon reinstatement.
Prior to his retirement, Charles was anticipated to take on the starting right guard role for Tennessee, a position he frequently occupied during his initial four NFL seasons with the Washington Commanders. He was selected in the fourth round of the 2020 NFL Draft after playing at LSU.
Throughout his four seasons with the Commanders, Charles appeared in 35 games, playing both left and right guard, but he logged over 300 more snaps on the left side of the offensive line. He transitioned from playing left tackle, which was his primary role in college.
Injuries have hindered Charles in the early phase of his career, as a dislocated kneecap put him on injured reserve in his first NFL game during his rookie year, and he also spent additional time on IR in 2022 and 2023.
During his time at LSU, Charles was the left tackle for the 2019 national championship team, which is regarded as one of the greatest teams in college football history. In his final season with the Tigers, he started the last nine games at left tackle.
Charles becomes the second external free agent addition to Dallas’s offensive line, joining veteran Robert Jones, who is also set to compete for the offensive guard position vacated by Zack Martin.
With his return to the league, both Charles and the Cowboys aim to enhance his skills at the guard position while striving to keep him healthy, as his 6’4″, 320-pound frame provides a solid foundation for further development.