FRISCO, Texas — While the Cowboys weren't exactly quiet during free agency this spring, there is still plenty of work to do for this team that finished 7-9-1 in 2025.
Not only did they add some key players in free agency and via trades, but they also re-signed some of the core depth as well.
Still, there are other guys on this team that must take that next step in order for the Cowboys to be successful in 2026.
Today, we'll continue the Next Man Up series with offensive tackle Tyler Guyton.
- Name: Tyler Guyton
- Position: Offensive tackle
- Experience: 2 years
- Games Played/Starts: 25/21
- Years Left on Contract: 2 years + fifth-year option
- How Acquired: 2024 1st-round pick (29th-overall)
- Key Stat: 1 sack allowed (34 pass plays) in NFL debut vs. Myles Garrett
The Past: It's been a rough go for Guyton over the past two seasons. He's shown great promise on several occasions, but health and availability have become his key concern through the 2025 season. His rookie season was hindered by a training camp injury that cost him valuable time in Oxnard, and things haven't gotten much better in that arena — Guyton suffering a knee fracture/sprain in his second training camp, narrowly dodging an ACL tear, a concussion in October 2025, and a high ankle sprain in November 2025 that ultimately ended his season.
The Present: The crux of Guyton's young career with the Cowboys is mostly rooted in the aforementioned ability to stay on the field. His bouts with injury have forced Dallas to not only move All-Pro left guard Tyler Smith the starting left tackle to end the 2025 season, but to also keep that potentiality on the table for the future.
The Future: And speaking of the future, the Cowboys will opt to keep Smith at left guard for now, but are open to moving him again, if Guyton misses time in 2026. If the latter can finally deliver a full, healthy season, Dallas might finally get a chance to see he can be a starter at this level: the same player who, as a rookie, nearly blanked the almighty Myles Garrett. It's a pivotal season for Guyton, heading into Year 3 with a potential fifth-year option decision to follow.
