The Dallas Cowboys are facing a key internal question this offseason: should star guard Tyler Smith slide to left tackle, or remain inside at guard where he has thrived? The debate centers on whether moving Smith outside would address the team’s tackle depth without sacrificing his Pro Bowl-level play at guard.
Smith has established himself as a standout guard for the Cowboys, earning a Pro Bowl nod for the past three seasons and a second-team All-Pro in 2023. When the possibility of moving him to left tackle for Tyler Guyton arose, Smith made clear his preference and identity as an All-Pro guard, signaling that a position shift could be disruptive at both spots.
Cowboys offensive coordinator Klayton Adams acknowledged the uncertainty about the future, but he emphasized that preserving interior strength is a priority. He suggested that pairing Smith with other inside players—an aligned trio with Beebe and Booker—has been one of the team’s greatest strengths, and moving Smith to tackle could weaken that core.
Adams also noted the value of giving Tyler Guyton more time to develop, pointing to a prolonged process for young linemen to reach peak performance. He highlighted the importance of getting through early-career starts (roughly 20-25) to allow players to self-correct and improve with coaching, while continuing to evaluate whether Guyton can become a reliable tackle.
In the near term, the Cowboys are weighing whether to commit to an outside shift for Smith or to keep him anchored inside, leveraging his proven efficiency at guard while continuing to develop Guyton at left tackle. The decision will influence the team’s line continuity and overall construction of their front five as they prepare for the upcoming season.
