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FRISCO, TX — A question that needs answering, and pronto, is who the Dallas Cowboys view as their starting left tackle going forward. Grabbing Tyler Guyton with a first-round pick means, by default, the job is his, but he's also struggled with availability through his first two seasons.
So much so that the Cowboys moved All-Pro left guard Tyler Smith to left tackle to finish the 2025 season. And though he was told he wouldn't stay there in 2026 and beyond, the door remains open if Dallas can't figure things out on Dak Prescott's blindside.
The added problem is this year's free agency pool doesn't offer many options, and the names that pop up aren't exactly inexpensive, as a whole — but let's talk about it.
Welcome to this year's Open Market series (full series is inside the link).
What's Here
Hakeem Adeniji: The 28-year-old from Garland is a native of Texas and got his shot at a homecoming when the Cowboys signed him in April of last year's free agency. Adeniji made some waves in training camp but was ultimately released in final roster cutdowns, but those waves led him to be re-signed immediately thereafter as Dallas finished their numbers game.
He'd go on to be active in 12 games and also earned a start due to injury at the position, but it was a mixed bag for the former First-team All-Big 12 talent out of Kansas — maybe enough good to bring back on a minimum deal to compete in camp. (Market value: $1.6M annually)
What's Out There
Note: These players will be unrestricted on March 11, barring a newly-signed deal with their incumbent team prior to that date. (Market value, when available, provided by Spotrac)
Braxton Jones: At 26 years of age, Jones entered the NFL as a fifth-round pick of the Chicago Bears in 2022, but he didn't play like a Day 3 pick. Jones was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team in 2022, and has since started in 44 games at left tackle out of a possible 46. He'd miss the majority of last season due to a knee injury, but did return in the postseason. His projected asking price won't break the bank, making him a strong option behind Tyler Guyton, who has battled his fair share of injuries. (Market value: $4.8M annually)
Braden Smith: This is where things start to get far more expensive in the search for an offensive tackle. Smith, like Jones, was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team in his respective first year (2018), but the former two-time First-team All-SEC talent out of Auburn has, along with All-Pro Quenton Nelson, has helped form a young anchoring of the Indianapolis Colts' offensive line. And with 105 starts through eight seasons in Indy, the 29-year-old is that team's definitive right tackle. Is he an option for Dallas? Sure, but adding him, and at his potential asking price, means the Cowboys will have decided to move on from Terence Steele. (Market value: $13.5M annually)
VIP Club
Rasheed Walker: Um, so yeah, don't bank on this one. It's a name that will top the free agency market at left tackle, and for good reason, but that comes with a price. And you don't pay it if you still believe you have the answer at LT1 on the roster — be that Guyton or Tyler Smith, the latter having been told he'll remain at left guard, for now. (Market value: $20M annually)
