(Editor's Note: Time to check the mail! The DallasCowboys.com staff writers answer your questions here in 'Mailbag' presented by Miller Lite.)
I recently read your Next Man Up series, and it stated there is always a possibility of moving Tyler Smith to left tackle again. Shouldn't the Cowboys evaluate Tyler Guyton for the long term, and if he is not the answer, draft or trade for a left tackle? Given Dak Prescott's window, this year is too important to be uncertain on the O-line? – Gregory Smith/Clayton, OH
Patrik: Call me crazy, but I'm pretty sure they started that process months ago. The moment they broke their rule to never again move All-Pro guard Tyler Smith to left tackle, I knew they would enter the offseason leaving that door open. It might sound as if it closed when they announced he'd be back at left guard in 2026, but not entirely, because when they followed that up, in the same breath, by adding they'll put "their best five on the field" across their offensive line, it meant they were absolutely evaluation the left tackle position. Guyton's health and durability will be key in determining what happens next, but if they feel he can't stay on the field, and that Nate Thomas hasn't progressed, then change is going to come.
Tommy: I think you get your answer this offseason. Brian Schottenheimer said at league meetings that this is a huge offseason for Guyton, whose availability has been his biggest detriment because of injuries. When he's been healthy, Guyton has been a solid player but is still very raw at the left tackle position. If he doesn't have that time to develop, the Cowboys aren't in a position to sit and wait around much longer. What that means for left tackle? Well, Tyler Smith is an option, but Dallas would prefer to keep him at left guard. What about the draft? Defense is the biggest need, but the Cowboys have been clear that if an offensive player they have graded higher falls to them, they likely won't hesitate to take them. Step one, however, is to try and keep Guyton on the field and let him make the necessary improvements.
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