DSJ Quick Take: Smith Leaves Guard-Or-Tackle Question To Brian Schottenheimer
- What did Smith say about his position? The All-Pro would not commit to guard or left tackle, saying the decision belongs to head coach Brian Schottenheimer.
- Where does the left tackle job stand? Tyler Guyton and Nate Thomas open camp in an announced competition, with Guyton taking the first-team reps through the offseason program.
- What else is on Smith’s plate? A second year of mentoring Tyler Booker, plus Cooper Beebe, Guyton, Thomas, and the rookie linemen.
- What is the backdrop? Dallas has missed the playoffs in each of the last two seasons and rebuilt its defense this offseason around new coordinator Christian Parker.
OXNARD, Calif. — Tyler Smith did not make it far into Dallas Cowboys training camp before the offensive line’s biggest unresolved question landed back on him.
The All-Pro took questions from reporters at River Ridge Fields shortly after the Cowboys unpacked in Southern California. Asked where he would line up in 2026, Smith deferred.
“You know, we’ll see what happens,” Smith said. “Ultimately, Schotty makes those decisions. Wherever I do line up, I’m gonna be at the best of my abilities.”
Both Smith and Schottenheimer said this offseason that he would play guard. The stated caveat was that Dallas will field its best five linemen in front of Dak Prescott, and that caveat traveled to Oxnard.
Smith was the 24th overall pick of the 2022 draft out of Tulsa, taken as a guard. He started all 17 games at left tackle as a rookie after an injury to Tyron Smith, moved inside in 2023, and has started every game he has played since. He was named second-team All-Pro in 2023 and made the Pro Bowl in each of the last three seasons.
Then came the end of last season. Guyton suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 12 and finished the year on injured reserve. Thomas started in his place. Dallas eventually moved Smith outside to left tackle.
The Left Tackle Competition
Schottenheimer announced during OTAs in June that Guyton and Thomas would compete for the job.
“We’re gonna make Tyler earn it,” Schottenheimer said at the time. “We think that’s gonna get the best out of Tyler Guyton and Nate Thomas.”
Guyton, the 29th overall pick in 2024, has appeared in 25 of a possible 34 games across two seasons and has started 21 of them at left tackle. A knee injury cost him four to six weeks of his second training camp. Thomas, taken 204 selections after Guyton in the same draft, played in all 17 games last season and started four at left tackle, logging 342 snaps.
Guyton ran with the first team through minicamp. Rookie Drew Shelton, a 2026 pick out of Penn State, worked as the second-team left tackle during that stretch, with Thomas taking reps at right tackle.
Dallas returns the rest of the line intact. Cooper Beebe is at center, Terence Steele at right tackle, and Booker enters his second season at guard after being drafted 12th overall in 2025.
A Fifth Year, And A Second Year Of Teaching
Smith is 25 and heading into his fifth season. Part of the job is the same as it was last summer.
“I mean, it’s really cool,” Smith said of reaching that mark. “It’s a blessing and a privilege to be able to play the game. Every year is a blessing. You never know which one could be your last, but I think the biggest thing and part upon them is just continuing to adhere to the process.
“I mean, in football, everything is process-oriented. … You’re just trying to build upon everything that you’ve done all year. So, I just say to them, ‘Just keep the main thing, the main thing. Take it one day at a time, and just continue to get better, and continue to help your brother get better.'”
Smith was also asked about the Super Bowl expectation Schottenheimer set for the roster.
“I think it’s extremely realistic,” Smith said. “I think if you put in the work and you do what you’re supposed to do, and you continue to attack it every day, like you’re supposed to attack it, you can be a champion.”
Dallas has not reached the postseason since the 2023 season. The Cowboys finished last in the NFL in scoring defense in 2025, allowing 30.1 points per game, and last in passing yards allowed at 251.5 per game.
Matt Eberflus was fired after that season. Dallas hired Christian Parker as defensive coordinator and is converting to a 3-4 front. The Cowboys traded for edge rusher Rashan Gary, signed safety Jalen Thompson and cornerback Cobie Durant in free agency, and spent five of their seven draft picks on defense, including first-rounders Caleb Downs and Malachi Lawrence.
Smith signed a four-year, $96 million extension in September 2025 that included $81.2 million guaranteed and made him the highest-paid guard in the league at $24 million per season. The deal runs through 2030.
