Dallas Cowboys’ latest roster move blurs the future of former first-round pick even further
The Dallas Cowboys might just move on from consecutive former first-round picks.
Earlier this offseason, the Dallas Cowboys moved on from their 2023 first-round pick, defensive tackle Mazi Smith. Based on their latest roster moves, a similar fate could await 2024 first-round pick Tyler Guyton.
The left tackle, who started 10 games this season, has a blurry future with the franchise after the news. His original job was already stripped from him when the Cowboys announced they would close out the season with Tyler Smith at left tackle, even if Guyton returned from injury. So what now?
What lies ahead for Guyton?
Though Guyton was active for 15 games last season as a rookie, he started only 11, partially due to availability reasons. Now, he’s set to end the season with seven games missed and similar concerns. And though his play improved significantly from Year 1, it wasn’t good enough to overlook such concerns.
That shows a little bit with the Cowboys’ decision to move second-team All-Pro left guard Tyler Smith to tackle for the final three games of the year, including last weekend against the Los Angeles Chargers.
There are many possibilities for Guyton, who I’d expect to stay on the Cowboys next season despite the recent shuffling of the offensive line. One of them is a return to normalcy: Smith could return to guard, where he’s clearly a better player, with Guyton keeping the tackle spot. Another possibility is for Smith to take over at tackle, and Guyton to move to right tackle, where he played in college.
What we know for now is that next offseason will be Guyton’s most important yet. Can he prove to the Cowboys that he can start at either tackle spot? And will Dallas give him a chance?
Given availability concerns and Smith’s enticing option at tackle, it isn’t guaranteed.
Other roster moves before Commanders matchup
In addition to placing Guyton on Injured Reserve, the Cowboys made the following moves ahead of their Christmas Day matchup versus the Washington Commanders:
- Signed CB Corey Ballentine from the practice squad to the active 53-man roster.
- Elevated LB Justin Barron from the practice squad.
