Shock Move: Cowboys Snag Former Tampa Bay Starter Who Once Dominated NFL Defenses and Left Lines in Ruins.QQ

In a move that’s sending shockwaves through the NFL, the Dallas Cowboys have pulled off what can only be described as a masterful “steal” by signing veteran offensive guard Nick Leverett to their practice squad. This isn’t just any depth addition—this is the guy who once dominated the trenches for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, starting 10 games in 2022 and absolutely crushing opposing defensive lines with his raw power and technique. With the Cowboys’ offensive front struggling this season, Leverett’s arrival could be the spark they need to turn things around. Let’s dive into this explosive development.

The Signing: A Timely Boost for Dallas’ O-Line

As the Cowboys gear up for Week 12 in the 2025 NFL season, their offensive line is finally healthy after a rocky start. No injuries, no limitations—just pure, unadulterated readiness. But Jerry Jones and the front office aren’t resting on their laurels. On November 22, 2025, the team announced the signing of Nick Leverett, a battle-tested guard who’s bounced around the league but left a trail of demolished defenders in his wake.

Leverett, who entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Buccaneers in 2020, brings a wealth of experience to a Cowboys unit that’s desperate for stability. After being released by the Arizona Cardinals earlier this season—where he spent training camp and the first half of the year—Leverett was a free agent ripe for the picking. The Cowboys swooped in, adding him to their practice squad to provide much-needed depth. This isn’t a flashy headline-grabber like drafting a first-rounder, but in the gritty world of offensive line play, it’s a game-changer.

Leverett’s Glory Days: Crushing Defenses in Tampa Bay

Flash back to 2022, and you’ll see why Leverett earned his reputation as a defensive line crusher. Playing for the Buccaneers, he appeared in 11 games and started 10 of them, anchoring an O-line that protected Tom Brady during his final season in Tampa. Leverett’s blend of size (6’4″, 310 pounds) and agility made him a nightmare for pass rushers and run stuffers alike. He didn’t just hold the line—he dominated it, allowing minimal pressures and opening massive holes for the running game.

His performance that year was a revelation for an undrafted player. “Leverett was the unsung hero of that Bucs line,” one NFL scout told reporters at the time. “He crushed guys like Aaron Donald and Vita Vea’s counterparts with ease.” Unfortunately, he lost his starting spot in 2023 amid roster changes, but his tape from ’22 still screams “elite potential.” It’s no wonder the Cowboys saw him as a steal—talent like this doesn’t hit the open market often without a reason, and Dallas capitalized on his recent cuts.

The Journey: From Bucs to Pats to Cards… and Now Dallas

Leverett’s path to the Cowboys has been anything but straightforward. After his breakout in Tampa, he signed with the New England Patriots as a free agent in 2024, hoping to solidify their interior line. But midway through the season, he was cut, landing briefly with the Arizona Cardinals. There, he suited up for games, including a notable appearance against the Tennessee Titans on October 5, 2025, at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona (as captured in that iconic tunnel-walk photo by Getty Images’ Christian Petersen).

Despite his solid play, the Cardinals released him, opening the door for the Cowboys. Now, at 28 years old, Leverett joins a Dallas squad that’s been remarkably healthy heading into Week 12—echoing their prep for Week 11 against the Raiders, where the entire starting five was intact and performed like a well-oiled machine. With Leverett on the practice squad, the Cowboys gain a versatile guard who can step in at a moment’s notice, especially if injuries strike.

Why the Cowboys Need Him: A Dipping O-Line in Desperate Need of Reinforcement

Let’s not sugarcoat it—the Cowboys’ offensive line, once the envy of the NFL, has fallen on hard times. Back in 2021, with stars like Tyron Smith and Zack Martin leading the charge, they topped Pro Football Focus (PFF) rankings as the No. 1 unit in the league. But departures and age have taken their toll: No. 12 in 2022, No. 8 in 2023, a dismal No. 25 last year, and now languishing at No. 21 in 2025.

PFF’s analysis paints a mixed picture. Left tackle Tyler Guyton has shown flashes of improvement, surrendering just 13 pressures in his last five games after 19 in the first four—including a clean sheet in Week 11. But left guard Tyler Smith is in a slump, allowing nine pressures over the past five outings after only five in the opening four. The unit as a whole has struggled to protect Dak Prescott and create running lanes for Ezekiel Elliott’s successor crew.

Enter Leverett: His experience in high-stakes games could be the depth piece that stabilizes this group. If promoted to the active roster, he might even challenge for snaps, bringing that Tampa Bay tenacity to crush defensive fronts and give the Cowboys’ offense the edge it needs in a tight NFC East race.

The Bottom Line: A Smart “Steal” That Could Pay Dividends

This signing is a bombshell because it’s low-risk, high-reward. The Cowboys didn’t break the bank—they “stole” a proven starter from Tampa Bay’s past glory for their practice squad, adding a man who once made NFL defensive lines look like practice dummies. As the season heats up, keep an eye on Leverett. If the O-line falters, he could be the crusher who turns the tide for America’s Team.

Stay tuned for more updates as the Cowboys push toward the playoffs. Will Leverett rise from the practice squad to starter status? Only time—and some crushed defenses—will tell.