Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer has said there will be competition for starting spots along the offensive line. For a former first-round NFL Draft pick entering his third season, that is not exactly where he – or the Cowboys – hoped this would be.
Translation: Tyler Guyton is not being handed the Dallas Cowboys’ left tackle job.
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Sep 14, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA. Dallas Cowboys place kicker Brandon Aubrey (17) with offensive tackle Tyler Guyton (60). Game against the New York Giants at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Guyton still has the talent. Schottenheimer praised his athletic ability, calling him one of the most athletic big men he has been around. But the coach also made the concern clear: consistency has not been there, and Dallas is going to make him earn the job.
That is what makes this competition more than normal offseason coach-speak.
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Guyton has started 21 games at left tackle over his first two seasons, but availability has become a real issue. He missed time with a knee injury in training camp last year, then finished the 2025 season on injured reserve with a high ankle sprain. Thomas, meanwhile, started four games at left tackle last season after being drafted much later than Guyton in 2024.
Oct 12, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA. Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Tyler Guyton (60) prepares to enter the field prior to the game against the Carolina Panthers at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cory Knowlton-Imagn Images
Guyton is saying the right things. He called the competition part of football and said friendly competition brings the best out of people. He also said he focused this offseason on getting stronger, which he sees as one of the biggest priorities for an offensive lineman.
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That is good. But Dallas needs results.
The Cowboys have already decided Tyler Smith is staying at guard, which means the left tackle answer likely has to come from Guyton or Thomas. If Guyton wins the job and finally settles in, Dallas can still salvage the first-round investment.
If he does not, the Cowboys may have a former first-rounder fighting for his role much earlier than expected
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