FRISCO, Texas -- Expectations for the Dallas Cowboys' offense in 2026 are extremely high. Last year, they finished second in the NFL in yards per game (391.9) and their 471 points were the fourth-most in team history.
As Brian Schottenheimer enters his second season as head coach and playcaller, the belief is things will only get better with quarterback Dak Prescott, wide receivers CeeDee Lamb and George Pickens, 1,000-yard rusher Javonte Williams and tight end Jake Ferguson at the skill spots, a Pro Bowler at left guard in Tyler Smith and last year's first-round pick Tyler Booker at right guard.
Just how much better the Cowboys' production can be could come down to their play at left tackle with Tyler Guyton, their first-round pick in 2024.
If Guyton can answer questions at the most important piece of the offensive line, then the running game can flourish and the pass game can be potent. And the Cowboys would not have to reconfigure their group, like moving Smith to left tackle, which he does not favor.
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Guyton has taken part in 25 of 34 possible games, starting 21, including all 10 games played in 2025.
Injuries have played a part. He missed two games as a rookie with knee and shoulder issues. Early in training camp last summer, the Cowboys initially feared he tore the ACL in his right knee in practice only to be diagnosed with a broken bone that kept him out of practice for about a month. He started the season opener but struggled the first few games as he got back up to speed. He had a five-game stretch of solid performances but suffered a high ankle sprain and missed the final six games. He also missed a game earlier in the season with a concussion.
But the larger issue during his first two seasons has been consistency, which is why he could not unseat veteran Chuma Edoga for a stretch as a rookie and enters this season in competition for the left tackle job with Nate Thomas, a seventh-round pick in 2024.
"We're going to make Tyler earn it," Schottenheimer said.
Guyton understands.
"Same equation: Come to work every day and get better," he said. "There's obviously competition everywhere on the team. It's a football team and everybody wants to play. Friendly competition isn't bad. It brings the best out of people."