Former first-round pick named X-Factor for Cowboys heading into 2026 NFL season

The Dallas Cowboys have missed the playoffs for two straight seasons. 

They’ll be aiming to end that streak in the upcoming 2026 campaign. For that to happen, they’ll need a big season from one particular player.

Tyler Guyton named X-Factor for Cowboys ahead of 2026 NFL season

ESPN’s Ben Solak recently named the biggest X-Factor for every team in the league heading into the ’26 season, and the pick for the Cowboys was left tackle Tyler Guyon, who Dallas selected with the 29th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Solak cited Guyon's continued development as  key for Dallas' offense.

"Guyton has the physical tools of a quality starting left tackle, but he has suffered mental lapses and taken easy penalties. Since he entered the league in 2024, Guyton is third among tackles in penalties per game (0.84). He has missed time because of ankle, shoulder and knee injuries. Now, he needs to string together consistent, mistake-free play," Solak wrote. 

". . . The Cowboys have all the pieces of an elite offense save for a tackle they can trust, and signs point to Guyton inching closer to becoming that player."

After starting 21 total games for Dallas over his first two seasons, the Cowboys will be counting on Guyton to take another step forward in 2026.

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