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Cowboys’ offensive line needs lots of attention

Originally posted on Inside The Star
By Richard Paolinelli | Last updated Jan 20, 2026 10:15 AM ET

Since the 2022 draft, the Dallas Cowboys have spent three first round picks, and a third rounder, on the offensive line.

Based on how the 2025 season played out, they’ll probably need to spend at least one pick in the 2026 draft on an offensive tackle.

This will be problematic since they have two first-round picks and none in the second and third rounds. Making matters worse, they almost have to spend those two firsts on the defense.

That, or find one in free agency.

Quality tackles are not easily found in free agency.

Perhaps the best option for Dallas is not to look outside for help at the position. Tyler Smith may not be happy if they do this, but it might work out for the best.

Moving Smith to left tackle, shifting Tyler Guyton over to right tackle – where he played in college – would give the Cowboys a solid tackle combo.

That leaves Tyler Booker at right guard and Cooper Beebe at center.

Brock Hoffman would move into Smith’s old left guard slot.

This would be the best line possible. It would also allow Dallas to focus its attention in the draft on the defense, which needs a complete rebuild at linebacker and defensive back.

Trouble At Tackle

Guyton and Terence Steele began the year as the starters at tackle. Steele played, and started, all 17 games.

Guyton started in all 10 games he played in.

But both had their struggles.

In Steele’s case, his troubles could, and should, cost him a roster spot in Dallas.

Steele is set to make $18.6 million in 2026, $21.125 million in 2027, and $18.625 in 2028. If the Cowboys cut him, the dead cap would only be $9.375 million, $5.25 million, and $1.125 million in those years.

In addition to Smith, Nathan Thomas and Hakeem Adeniji started at tackle in 2025.

Neither player made a strong statement about earning more starts in 2026.