The relatively quiet offseason surrounding the usually loud Dallas Cowboys has tamped down discussion about one of the most pivotal training camp battles of 2026: Who will protect Dak Prescott's blind side?
The Cowboys left tackle competition between former first-rounder Tyler Guyton and former seventh-rounder Nathan Thomas kicks off in earnest this week from Oxnard, Calif.
"I mean, it's the same as every day: coming to work and getting better, to try and get one percent better every day," Guyton said following camp's first practice on Wednesday, .
While Guyton entered 2026 as the assumed starting left tackle, coach Brian Schottenheimer made a very public display that the job would be an open competition early in the spring. The decision underscored that Guyton had work to do both on his game and on staying healthy, after his first two seasons were short-circuited by injury. Schotty's decision not to simply conduct a competition in the background highlighted the club's desire to motivate the third-year pro.
From the sounds of it, the tactic has worked thus far.
"I [want to get] more technically sound, more confident in the playbook and the scheme and, overall, just a better player," Guyton said. "It's a process, of course, and we have to take it day by day, one foot in front of the other. But, at the end of the day, I'm trying to get to a certain point where I feel good about going into the season."
Instigating a competition only works if there is a legitimate threat. While Thomas struggled in four starts last season, he's reportedly improved his technique and strength this offseason. The club has suggested the 2024 seventh-rounder could reasonably push the man picked six rounds earlier. Dallas also hasn't silenced chatter that, if both struggle, it could move Tyler Smith out to left tackle, even though his preference is to remain at guard.
Guyton understands that he must improve for the Cowboys to get to where they want to go.
"I'm not all the way where I want to be yet, and that's what camp is for," he said. "I'm still trying to get better every single day, but it [definitely] feels like I'm going into my third year in the NFL. Things are slowing down for me and I'm learning more every day."
The left tackle job sits as the biggest question mark on a potentially explosive Cowboys offense. If they continue to struggle with that spot, it could have a cascading effect on the rest of the unit.
