The Dallas Cowboys are confronting a critical decision ahead of the 2026 season concerning Tyler Smith’s role on their offensive line. Originally positioned as a future left tackle, Smith’s mid-training camp injury to Tyron Smith shifted him inside to left guard, where he has since thrived, fueling ongoing discussions about whether his position should change once again. The team’s latest updates on Smith’s knee and statements from officials signal a strong preference to maintain him at guard, given his proven dominance and the line’s success with him in that spot.
Evaluating Tyler Smith’s Optimal Position on the Offensive Line
The Cowboys drafted Tyler Smith in 2022 with the intent to groom him as their future left tackle. However, an unexpected injury to veteran left tackle Tyron Smith late in training camp forced Tyler indoors to the guard position. Once Smith adjusted to left guard, he immediately showcased his impact, steadily improving over the next three seasons as one of the team’s most reliable and formidable interior linemen. Despite occasional necessity shifting him back to left tackle during injury shortages, this has been viewed as a short-term fix rather than a permanent move.
In fact, Dallas offensive coordinator Klayton Adams acknowledged uncertainty about the future but emphasized the unit’s strength when the trio of Smith, Cooper Beebe, and Tyler Booker play together inside. Adams stated,
“I don’t know exactly what the answer is for the future. (But) I know this, when we have those three inside guys (Smith, Cooper Beebe, Tyler Booker) playing together, it’s one of our greatest strengths. So, do we kind of want to soften one of the things we’re really good at to try to make up for another position? I think in an ideal world, no.”
With Smith performing at an elite level, earning three consecutive Pro Bowl nods and a second-team All-Pro selection while playing guard, moving him risks destabilizing the offensive line’s chemistry. Even Smith himself hinted late last season at his preferred position, showing confidence inside and expressing readiness to help where needed but signaling guard as his natural spot.
Injury Challenges and Their Impact on Lineup Flexibility
Dallas faces additional challenges securing long-term left tackle stability. Projected starter Tyler Guyton has struggled with durability and limited starts, culminating in an ankle injury that landed him on injured reserve in December 2025. These setbacks forced the Cowboys to rely on Smith’s versatility, shifting him back outside during the final games of 2025, though this was understood as a stopgap measure.
The team could consider sliding Smith to tackle again if necessary, but that move would come with compromises. Backup linemen like T.J. Bass and Brock Hoffman add depth inside, enabling the Cowboys to keep Smith where he performs best. Alternatively, broader roster changes involving Guyton and Terence Steele would cause significant upheaval, a scenario the coaching staff likely wants to avoid.
Smith’s own comments underscore his practicality: “I’m an All-Pro guard, bro,” he said when asked about stepping in at left tackle.
“That’s the simple truth if we’re just looking at stuff purely off facts. So we’ll see what happens, we’ll have those conversations when we have those conversations and kind of see where everybody’s head is at.”
Smith’s Career Progression and On-Field Success
Since being selected 24th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft, Tyler Smith has steadily built his reputation as a cornerstone of the Cowboys’ offensive line. As a rookie, he started all 17 games at left tackle, earning a spot on the Pro Football Writers of America (PFWA) All-Rookie Team. His early promise quickly translated into greater honors, including Second-team All-Pro accolades in 2023 and three straight Pro Bowl appearances through 2025.
Smith’s success inside at guard has been notable, but his ability to seamlessly transition back outside remains uncertain. While his versatility is an asset, Kyle Adams and other Cowboys decision-makers recognize that shifting him could generate new problems rather than resolving existing ones, especially given the cohesiveness of the current interior line.
Status of Tyler Smith’s Knee Injury and Implications for Offseason Plans
Following the 2025 Pro Bowl, Tyler Smith underwent a minor cleanup procedure on his right knee, with sources indicating he is on track to be fully healthy ahead of the Cowboys’ offseason program beginning in April 2026. This positive medical update offers relief for the team as they prepare their roster for next season.
Last season, Smith coped with several injuries, including a questionable ankle that sidelined him for the Cowboys’ game against the Washington Commanders. The issue originated in training camp and lingered, forcing T.J. Bass to fill in at left guard during Week 12 while Smith recuperated. Despite these hurdles, Smith started 16 games in 2025, demonstrating his resilience and importance to the team.
With Smith currently under a four-year, $96 million contract extension—the largest for a guard in the NFL—the Cowboys have significant incentive to protect his health and maximize his impact. Reliable news that he is nearing full recovery bodes well for maintaining one of the league’s most formidable offensive lines.
Maintaining Line Cohesion Remains Priority for Dallas
As the Cowboys look to balance player health and positional needs, the overarching theme is continuity. The team hesitates to disturb a unit that has shown consistent performance with Smith anchoring the guard position. Losing that balance in the attempt to patch weaknesses at left tackle or elsewhere could create deeper issues.
Offensive coordinator Klayton Adams’ caution about disrupting the interior front reflects a broader philosophy: address challenges strategically, but do not compromise proven strengths. The Cowboys’ intentions appear focused on leveraging Smith’s current success and health to keep their offensive line as a bulwark for the 2026 season and beyond.
With Tyler Smith’s knee trending positively and no clear alternative at left tackle, patience seems to be the prevailing strategy. Whether that means investing more in developing Tyler Guyton or other tackle options remains to be seen, but at this moment, preserving the stability that Smith, Beebe, and Booker provide inside is paramount.
Sounds like Cowboys offensive coordinator Klayton Adams would prefer to keep Tyler Smith at left guard.
Adams on @1053thefan: “I don’t know exactly what the answer is for the future. (But) I know this, when we have those three inside guys (Smith, Cooper Beebe, Tyler Booker)…
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) February 25, 2026
