EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - NOVEMBER 24: Doug Free #68 of the Dallas Cowboys in action against the New York Giants during their game at MetLife Stadium on November 24, 2013 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)

Cowboys to lose another major piece of their offense, this time thanks to retirement

That couldn't come at a worse time.

The Dallas Cowboys enjoyed incredible success on the field despite starting a rookie quarterback and rookie running back in Dak Prescott and Ezekiel Elliot, respectively. A huge reason they got back to the playoffs and led the NFC East was because of an excellent offensive line that run blocked as well as it pass blocked, but it looks like the Cowboys will have to find a key replacement along that line with this latest news from ESPN's Todd Archer:

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Free is retiring after ten seasons with the Cowboys who drafted him in 2007.In March 2015, Free re-signed with the Cowboys on a three-year, $15 million contract. He started all 16 games and although he was a solid contributor at right tackle, he led the team in penalties with nine for the season.