The Dallas Cowboys enter the 2025 NFL season with high expectations and a strong core, but one of the most pivotal questions surrounding the team isn’t about their high-octane offense or their opportunistic defense—it’s about who will man the edges on the offensive line. The offensive tackle position is critical to the team’s success, especially with quarterback Dak Prescott needing stability and protection to deliver consistent performances. After a string of seasons featuring both injuries and shifting lineups, the Cowboys are now at a crossroads, with both seasoned veterans and young blood vying to lead the charge.
Tyron Smith, once the unquestioned leader of the offensive line, is now gone. After over a decade of anchoring the left tackle spot with All-Pro consistency, Smith’s departure has left both a leadership void and a critical hole on the blindside. The Cowboys knew this day was coming. Smith’s availability had been limited in recent years due to injuries, and while his talent remained elite when on the field, his reliability had waned. Now, the franchise must move on, and all eyes are on who will step up to fill the void and lead the line forward.
In training camp and OTAs, the battle at tackle has quickly become one of the most hotly contested and closely watched competitions. Terence Steele, who has already carved out a respectable reputation on the right side, is one of the more established names in the mix. After returning from an ACL injury in 2023, Steele reasserted himself as a starter in 2024 and enters this season with the confidence of a man who has already been through the fire. He brings a physical style of play and a team-first attitude that coaches and teammates value highly. Though he’s seen most of his action on the right side, Steele’s versatility allows the Cowboys to explore different combinations.
Yet, the true intrigue lies on the left side, where a mixture of youth and inexperience seeks to fill the shoes left by Smith. Tyler Smith, the 2022 first-round pick out of Tulsa, has been steadily developing into the kind of lineman who can anchor an offensive front. Originally drafted to potentially become the heir apparent at left tackle, Smith has played extensively at guard due to necessity but has always kept his sights set on moving outside. Now, with Tyron Smith gone, this may be the moment he’s been groomed for.
Physically imposing and technically improving, Tyler Smith brings a tenacious mindset to the position. He’s earned rave reviews from offensive line coach Mike Solari and head coach Mike McCarthy for his toughness and willingness to learn. While there have been growing pains, Smith’s athleticism and raw strength are undeniable. Coaches have been ramping up his reps at left tackle throughout the offseason, and barring any setbacks, he could be the frontrunner to take over permanently. If he can refine his pass sets and demonstrate more consistency against speed rushers, the Cowboys may have a long-term solution already on the roster.
Behind the top two names, a few intriguing young players are making their case. Matt Waletzko, a 2022 draft pick, has shown flashes of potential, though injuries have kept him from logging significant game reps. His massive 6-foot-8 frame and wingspan are prototypical for the tackle position, but technique and durability remain question marks. Still, with the right development, Waletzko could evolve into a capable swing tackle, someone who can play either side in a pinch and offer valuable depth.
Then there’s rookie tackle Amarius Mims, the Cowboys’ 2025 second-round pick out of Georgia, who brings a unique blend of size, power, and footwork to the competition. Mims was regarded by many scouts as a first-round talent, but concerns over his lack of starting experience at the college level caused him to slip. Dallas pounced when he was available, seeing in him a developmental player who could eventually become a cornerstone on the line. Early reviews from rookie minicamp and early practices have been positive, with coaches praising his quick adaptation to the playbook and professional tempo. While he’s unlikely to start from day one, Mims is clearly viewed as a long-term piece with star potential.
The coaching staff has been deliberate in its approach, mixing and matching combinations to test chemistry and adaptability. With preseason just around the corner, the depth chart remains fluid. Steele seems firmly entrenched on the right side, with Smith receiving the majority of first-team reps on the left, but the presence of players like Mims and Waletzko ensures the pressure remains on. Competition, after all, breeds excellence, and no one’s job is completely safe.
It’s also worth noting the importance of veteran leadership during this transition. Zack Martin, the perennial All-Pro guard, remains the emotional and strategic leader of the offensive line. His voice carries weight in the locker room, and he’s taken an active role in mentoring the younger tackles. Martin has spoken publicly about the confidence he has in Tyler Smith and the importance of continuity on the line. As a future Hall of Famer, Martin’s endorsement is meaningful, especially as Dallas prepares to integrate younger linemen into the fold.
What makes this battle even more critical is how it affects the rest of the offense. Prescott is coming off one of the most efficient seasons of his career, and the Cowboys are looking to build on that momentum. With explosive weapons like CeeDee Lamb and Brandin Cooks on the outside and Tony Pollard leading the run game, the offense is primed to put up points—but only if the line can hold up. The NFC East features some of the most fearsome pass rushers in the NFL, including Philadelphia’s Haason Reddick and Washington’s Montez Sweat. If Dallas can’t protect Prescott, their playoff hopes could quickly unravel.
One wild card in all of this is the possibility of a midseason addition or trade. The front office, led by Jerry and Stephen Jones, has shown a willingness in recent years to explore the market when depth becomes a concern. While there’s confidence in the internal options, the Cowboys could keep an eye on veteran free agents or trade opportunities as insurance. It’s a long season, and injuries are always a factor.
For now, though, the focus remains on development and cohesion. Training camp will offer the clearest picture of who’s separating themselves from the pack. Preseason games will be a proving ground, especially for the younger tackles looking to climb the depth chart. Coaches are watching not only technique and footwork but how these players handle adversity, how they communicate on the line, and how they adjust in real-time to blitz packages and stunts.
In the end, the Cowboys find themselves in a familiar situation: talented, close to elite, but with a few key questions that could determine whether 2025 becomes a breakthrough or another tale of what might have been. The offensive tackle position might not generate headlines like Prescott’s touchdowns or Micah Parsons’ sacks, but it may well decide the ceiling of this year’s team. Whoever leads the charge at tackle will have to do more than just protect the quarterback—they’ll have to embody the grit and resilience that has defined Dallas’ best teams. The battle lines are drawn, and the war in the trenches has begun.
