With Dallas Cowboys OTAs kicking off a week from now, it's time to preview the most important questions ahead of them. And we're starting with an All-Pro lineman.
There's a major decision the Dallas Cowboys still need to make that will go a long way in determining the team's offensive success in 2026. Though it feels like we know the likeliest choice they'll make, they really haven't shown their cards yet.
But they're about to.
Dallas Cowboys OTAs start a week from now, which means it's time to discuss what we're looking forward to learning. Since these are non-contact practices, there's really not a lot going on as far as position battles go.
However, alignments are one of the most important things to watch out for. And no player on the Cowboys may be more intriguing on that front than Tyler Smith.
The All-Pro left guard made it clear last year he prefers to play inside. However, head coach Brian Schottenheimer left the door open earlier in the offseason for Smith to play tackle.
If Smith stays at guard for the entirety of Cowboys OTAs and mandatory minicamp, it will be a strong indicator that a change is not being looked at. If, however, he rotates in at tackle even a little, it will likely mean the door is open should Dallas' Plan A at left tackle goes awry.
Which, honestly, fits with their previous decisions and comments.
Though the Cowboys are betting on Guyton to initially man the left tackle spot, Schottenheimer admitted the young player has to take the next step.
"It's a big year for Tyler," Schottenheimer said at the Owner Meetings in March. "Guyton's got a chance to be an elite player, but he's got to take that next step, and we have to help him get that next step."
As for the right tackle spot, they asked Terence Steele
to take a pay cut.
And then there's the decision to use a tender to keep T.J. Bass
over Brock Hoffman
. The latter provides center and guard flexibility, and was in line to replace Zack Martin
before the Cowboys drafted Tyler Booker
. Opting for Bass over Hoffman was a surprise earlier in the year.
A possible explanation? The Cowboys like Bass at guard better. And with Smith being a potential fix at left tackle should Guyton not take "the next step," having a solid Plan B at guard was also a must.
I'm speculating here, but that's precisely the point. When OTAs kick off, the Cowboys have a chance to silence conversations about Smith moving to tackle. We'll see if they do.
