Tyler Smith opens up on possibility of playing left tackle long term

For the first time in a while, Tyler Smith made his way back outside to play left tackle for the Dallas Cowboys. Smith was originally drafted to be the franchise’s next LT but moved inside for Tyron Smith and eventually Tyler Guyton. Results were more than good, earning All-Pro honors in 2023 and being named to the last two Pro Bowl teams. Tuesday brought another honor for Smith, once again getting a Pro Bowl nod, bringing his total to three.

Smith made sure to remind us of that when talking about his position of the future. He did not give a definitive answer on his preference between left tackle and left guard. Some interesting conversations might take place throughout the offseason between him, head coach Brian Schottenheimer, and the front office.

“I’m an All-Pro guard, bro. You feel me?” Smith said via Nick Harris of The Fort Worth Star-Telegram. “That’s the simple truth if we’re just looking purely off facts. We’ll see what happens. We’ll have those conversations and kind of see where everybody’s head is at.” “I’m not letting my mind getting too far ahead with that. In my mind, it’s just for the rest of the season.”

Having Smith move to left tackle brings the question of what happens with Guyton. Right now, the former first-round pick out of Oklahoma is dealing with an injury. Making a move to the opposite side of the offensive line could be a possibility. Guyton played right tackle in Norman but the Cowboys viewed him as someone who could switch to the left side.

Terence Steele then comes into the equation, who has three years left on his contract. However, an out is possible for Dallas, and the dead cap number would be under $10 million. Cooper Beebe and Tyler Booker are more likely than not safe from any kind of change, keeping their respective spots at center and right guard.

In reality, the Cowboys are beginning to move attention to the 2026 season. How the offensive line exactly shakes out will be a big question. Not just early in the offseason but into the NFL Draft and through training camp. Movement certainly feels possible, even if Smith hinted at wanting to remain at left guard.

Thursday brings the penultimate game of the ’25 campaign for the Cowboys. A Christmas Day against the Washington Commanders will be another game for Smith protecting Dak Prescott‘s blindside.