It's no secret that the Cowboys didn't handle their swing tackle situation with the diligence that they should have. As a result, when left tackle, Tyron Smith, suffered a torn hamstring that will keep him out until December, the Cowboys decided to slide rookie Tyler Smith out to left tackle and let Connor McGovern take the helm at left guard.

Things could change shortly. On Wednesday, it was reported that six-time All-Pro, Jason Peters, who won a Super Bowl with the rival Philadelphia Eagles in 2017, would be heading to Dallas on Thursday to meet with the Cowboys.

Eight-time Pro Bowl offensive tackle Jason Peters is scheduled to visit the Cowboys on Thursday, person familiar with plan said. Peters spent last year in Chicago after a dozen seasons with the Eagles. Has awaited right opportunity for 19th NFL season. Dallas appears to be it.

— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) August 31, 2022

Talk about being right on time.

The significance of Peters coming to visit the Cowboys goes beyond the fact that the team needed the help. It's about what Peters said in an interview that was posted earlier in the week about what he was looking for when it came to playing his 19th year in the NFL.

"I'm looking for an up-and-coming offensive line [on a] good team or a playoff team," Peters told SiriusXM NFL Radio on Wednesday. "Either way is good for me because I can teach or I can sit back and listen and learn from other veterans of the game, too."

Dallas has all of those ingredients.

The younger Smith is in his first NFL campaign while starting center Tyler Biadasz and starting right tackle Terence Steele are in their third year. The elder Smith and All-Pro right guard Zack Martin are in years 12 and nine respectively. Lastly, the Cowboys are coming off of a 12-5 season that led to an NFC East crown and a playoff berth.

Peters spent the 2021 season with the Chicago Bears. The former undrafted free agent started 15 games, and although his elite days may be behind him, Peters was still a good left tackle and showed that any team looking for a veteran presence in 2022 should give him a call.

Jason Peters also showed well against Chandler Jones in Week 13. Beautiful pass sets, well-timed strikes, shows the ability to redirect inside and has a helluva inside hand. #Cowboys pic.twitter.com/37winvkIEZ

— John Owning (@JohnOwning) August 31, 2022

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Before last season, Peters was in a similar situation. He didn't sign with the Bears until the middle of August while training camp and the preseason are still taking place. It seems like getting a deal at the last minute won't phase Peters at all this time around either as the eight-time Pro Bowler mentioned he'll be ready to go if he gets a chance, no matter when that is.

"I don't have a time frame," Peters said. "Whenever the opportunity comes, I am going to give it one more run at it. Try to get me another ring or pass on some knowledge to some of the young kids, up-and-coming. But I don't have a time frame on when I'm gonna get signed. Last year was like two-and-a-half weeks into training camp. Whenever the time comes, I'll be ready."

For the Cowboys it's simple, take advantage of this opportunity to improve your most important group, the one that protects your quarterback. Peters made less than $2 million last season and the Cowboys currently have the second-most cap space at around $15.8 million.

Jerry and Stephen Jones, make it happen.

Feature image via Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports