Cowboys’ left tackle battle could change the entire 2026 season

The Dallas Cowboys enter training camp with one of their most important position battles taking place on the offensive line. While several players are expected to compete for the starting left tackle job, Tyler Guyton remains the favorite to claim the role if he can stay healthy.

The former first-round pick has flashed the athletic ability and upside that made him such a highly regarded prospect entering the NFL. Although injuries have slowed his development at times, the Cowboys still believe Guyton possesses the highest ceiling among the team’s tackle options.

That makes this training camp a defining moment in his young career.

Nate Thomas deserves credit for making the competition more interesting than many anticipated. The 2024 seventh-round selection battled through adversity after spending his rookie season on injured reserve before starting four games in 2025. Thomas exceeded expectations with his toughness and steady play, proving he belongs in the conversation for meaningful snaps.

Still, Guyton appears to have the inside track.

If healthy throughout camp, his combination of size, athleticism and pass-protection skills gives Dallas its best opportunity to solidify the blind side of the offensive line. The organization invested heavily in his potential, and this offseason represents the ideal opportunity for him to reward that faith.

A healthy Tyler Guyton could be exactly what the Cowboys need

Health remains the biggest question.

Guyton has struggled to stay on the field during portions of the offseason, making availability just as important as performance during camp. Thomas will need to remain prepared because another injury could quickly reopen the competition.

The Cowboys also have flexibility depending on how the offensive line develops.

If Guyton doesn’t secure the left tackle position, he could slide to right tackle should Terence Steele struggle. That scenario would create another competition while allowing Dallas to keep one of its most talented linemen on the field. Ideally, however, the Cowboys want Guyton to win the left tackle job outright, allowing Tyler Smith to remain at left guard, where he has established himself as one of the NFL’s premier interior offensive linemen.

The competition may continue throughout camp, but the path is clear. If Tyler Guyton stays healthy and performs to expectations, the Cowboys’ left tackle job should be his to lose heading into the 2026 season.

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