Cowboys' Tyler Smith will work at LT in camp, but don't add him to that competition just yet

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Dallas Cowboys guard Tyler Smith (73) warms up before an NFL football game against the New York Giants at AT&T Stadium on Sunday, Sept. 14, 2025, in Arlington. (Smiley N. Pool/Staff Photographer)


OXNARD, Calif. — Yes, the Cowboys are going to have Pro Bowl left guard Tyler Smith work at left tackle during training camp in Oxnard, according to head coach Brian Schottenheimer.

Schottenheimer was quick to add a caveat to that declaration, however. Smith’s potential work at left tackle would be akin to starting right guard Tyler Booker “having to get some snaps at center,” Schottenheimer said, “because at the end of the day, we’re committed to winning and winning now and we’re going to play the five best guys.”

Translation: maybe don’t add Smith to the left tackle competition just yet.

The Cowboys know they have a good thing when it comes to their interior trio of Smith, center Cooper Beebe and Booker. They have also proclaimed their support for right tackle Terence Steele heading into his seventh season. They haven’t shied away from the fact that left tackle is an open competition, however.

Former first-round pick Tyler Guyton is the headliner among the options at left tackle. Schottenheimer has also pointed to Nate Thomas, a spot starter last season when needed, and fourth-round pick Drew Shelton as two other options at left tackle. Schottenheimer said he’s excited to see those three compete in training camp.

Smith’s potential to play left tackle, it appears, is rooted in necessity. The Cowboys played him at left tackle his entire rookie season because they needed it. Last year, Smith played the final two games of the season at left tackle.

Smith said earlier this offseason that he wanted clarity on whether he would play at left tackle or left guard this season. On Monday, upon arriving in Oxnard, he said that the answer to that is still a mystery.

“We’ll see what happens,” Smith said. “Ultimately, Schotty makes those decisions. Wherever I do line up, I’m going to be at the best of my ability.”

While guard appears likely, the Cowboys continue to keep open the possibility that the best move for the team could be playing Smith at left tackle, if necessary.

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