There are several positions on the Cowboys’ roster where changes could be made, but one concerning area that Dallas hasn’t typically had to worry about is left tackle. The team selected Tyler Guyton from Duke in the first round of this year’s draft, hoping that his size and athleticism would help him fill the gap at tackle right away.
That gap was created by the departure of Tyron Smith, the eight-time Pro Bowler who spent his first 13 NFL seasons in Dallas before leaving in free agency to join the Jets. Although Smith has struggled with injuries in recent years and has slowed down at age 33, he remains a solid pass protector and valuable veteran.
Guyton, on the other hand, has struggled. The Cowboys knew when they drafted him that he would need time to develop, but they had hoped it would happen quickly. Guyton has battled injuries but has generally been outmatched so far.
In Week 6, Guyton was sidelined officially due to a knee injury, though there is speculation that the Cowboys simply wanted to give him a break after a difficult start to his NFL career.
If the team opts to let Guyton develop off the field rather than on it, Bleacher Report has a suggestion: sign Charles Leno, a 33-year-old free-agent left tackle with 141 NFL starts and a former Pro Bowler.
Charles Leno Could Address Left Tackle Needs
In an article titled, “NFL Team Needs: Prioritizing Every Roster’s Biggest Weaknesses Before Week 7,” the B/R scouting team identified Leno as a free agent who could help the Cowboys fill in for Guyton.
The article stated: “A defensive end was considered here given that backup-turned-starter Marshawn Kneeland tore his meniscus against the Steelers, compounding the Cowboys’ issues at the position. However, with Micah Parsons expected to return soon and Carl Lawson on the practice squad, that need is less urgent.
“Meanwhile, Tyler Guyton was injured in Week 5 and has struggled early in his career, getting benched this past weekend. The front office should explore adding a veteran like Leno, who has a strong track record in pass protection.”
Cowboys Sticking with Tyler Guyton?
For now, the Cowboys have turned to a solution many fans had been calling for even before Guyton’s injury. In Week 6 against the Lions, they shifted Tyler Smith to left tackle and brought TJ Bass off the bench to play guard. Dallas had been hesitant to make this move, preferring Smith at guard and valuing Guyton’s potential upside over Bass as a known backup.
However, Guyton’s Pro Football Focus grade of 49.7 in his five starts ranks 70th out of 76 NFL tackles. With the team needing immediate answers, the Cowboys may not have the luxury of continuing to experiment with Guyton, especially with a clear alternative available.
On Monday, coach Mike McCarthy clarified that Guyton’s benching was temporary and due to the knee injury. “He’s just kind of where he was all week,” McCarthy said. “He’s not 100 percent.”
Still, signing a veteran tackle could provide Dallas with additional security.
