When the Dallas Cowboys selected Tyler Guyton in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft, they envisioned a long-term solution at offensive tackle—someone with the raw athleticism, power, and upside to protect Dak Prescott for years to come. Guyton, a 6’8”, 320-pound monster out of Oklahoma, came in as a high-upside project with all the tools necessary to become a dominant force on the offensive line. But dreams have a way of getting tested in the crucible of NFL reality. During a recent practice, Guyton suffered an injury that forced him to exit early, creating immediate concern across Cowboys Nation. With no clear timetable for his return, questions swirled about whether the team would need to look outside the organization for reinforcements—or if the solution might already be on the roster. Surprisingly, the most compelling option could be a name many fans have overlooked: veteran offensive tackle and former Super Bowl starter Chuma Edoga.
Edoga, a 2019 third-round pick by the New York Jets, has been on a winding NFL journey. He’s never been a Pro Bowl mainstay or a headline-stealer, but he’s carved out a respectable career as a dependable swing tackle and fill-in starter. What sets Edoga apart now, however, is his Super Bowl experience. While with the Atlanta Falcons, Edoga started in the 2023 Super Bowl, filling in during a stretch of injuries to the Falcons’ starting unit. Though Atlanta ultimately fell short in that contest, Edoga held his own against an elite defensive front, showing poise, discipline, and an ability to rise to the moment.
Fast forward to 2025, and that very trait—his composure in high-pressure moments—may be exactly what the Cowboys need. Tyler Guyton’s injury, though not definitively season-ending as of yet, presents a significant challenge for a team that has legitimate playoff—and even Super Bowl—aspirations. The offensive line has long been a staple of Dallas’ identity, from the days of Larry Allen and Nate Newton to more recent greats like Tyron Smith and Zack Martin. That legacy cannot afford to crumble due to one injury, and the front office knows it.
What makes Edoga the perfect in-house solution isn’t just experience—it’s versatility and scheme familiarity. Having been with the Cowboys last season, Edoga is not a stranger to Mike McCarthy’s offensive system or to offensive line coach Mike Solari’s blocking techniques. This kind of institutional knowledge is invaluable, especially when compared to bringing in a new body from free agency who would need weeks to learn terminology, assignments, and chemistry. Chemistry, particularly on the offensive line, is often the invisible X-factor that determines a team’s ability to execute under pressure.
The Cowboys aren’t strangers to injuries on the offensive line. Over the last few years, they’ve had to shuffle pieces due to setbacks with Tyron Smith, La’el Collins, and others. Each time, depth has been tested. Each time, it’s become painfully clear that teams are only as strong as their sixth or seventh lineman. That’s why Edoga’s role becomes so crucial now. Though he wasn’t penciled in as a Week 1 starter, he may very well become one, and the Cowboys can take comfort in knowing he’s already faced a bigger stage than most backups ever dream of.
Another compelling argument in Edoga’s favor is his growth. He entered the league raw and inconsistent—penalty-prone, susceptible to bull rushes, and often too eager in his sets. But time and experience have refined his game. Film from his stint with the Falcons and recent Cowboys practice reps show a lineman who has matured, sharpened his footwork, and learned to play with more balance and control. Those improvements might not make him an All-Pro, but they certainly make him a stabilizing presence, particularly in a league where average tackle play is still better than erratic rookie performance.
This brings us to the core of the issue: as promising as Tyler Guyton is, he’s still a rookie—one whose technique is being built from the ground up. The Cowboys were always going to experience growing pains with him. But what they didn’t expect was for those lessons to be interrupted so early. While Guyton’s potential remains sky-high, rushing him back too soon could stunt his development or, worse, result in long-term injury. The team knows this, and it’s part of why a seasoned option like Edoga becomes not just a placeholder, but a strategic asset. He can hold the fort while Guyton gets healthy and continues learning in the film room.
The fans might not erupt in cheers over Chuma Edoga stepping into the lineup. He doesn’t have the fanfare of a first-round pick or the legacy of a franchise legend. But what he does bring is dependability, grit, and an underdog mentality. Sometimes, those are the very traits that carry teams through adversity. Just ask any championship squad what they remember most—it’s rarely the glamour. It’s the guys who stepped up when no one expected them to.
From a salary cap standpoint, keeping the move in-house also makes sense. The Cowboys are walking a financial tightrope with big deals looming for stars like CeeDee Lamb and Micah Parsons. Avoiding a splashy free-agent signing and instead promoting from within allows them to save resources and remain flexible should future injuries occur elsewhere on the roster. It’s about calculated risk—and in this case, Edoga offers low risk with potential high return.
Don’t overlook the leadership dynamic, either. Veteran offensive linemen play an unspoken role in shaping locker room tone and offensive rhythm. Zack Martin, the heart and soul of the Cowboys’ offensive line, has consistently praised teammates who bring their lunch-pail attitude to work every day. Edoga, though not the loudest voice in the room, fits that mold. He’s a worker. A grinder. And perhaps most importantly, a teammate who understands that his opportunity might be the difference between protecting the quarterback or watching him scramble for his life.
Of course, none of this is to suggest that Tyler Guyton is being cast aside. Far from it. The Cowboys still believe in him—deeply. They see him as the future at tackle and a foundational piece of their offensive identity. But football is a marathon, and sometimes detours are necessary to complete the journey. Letting Guyton recover at the right pace while Edoga bridges the gap is a win-win for both the player and the team.
If Dallas fans are looking for precedent, they need not look further than past seasons where backup tackles became indispensable heroes. Think of Ty Nsekhe, who stepped in admirably when injuries decimated the line in 2021. Think of the role Cameron Fleming played years prior when Tyron Smith missed stretches. These players weren’t stars—but they were reliable, and sometimes, that’s exactly what championship teams need to keep marching forward.
With the season approaching fast and expectations sky-high, every position on the roster must be locked in. For Dallas, the offensive line is the bedrock of their offensive strategy. Dak Prescott, Tony Pollard’s successor, and the entire receiving corps depend on clean pockets and solid run lanes. That makes filling Guyton’s temporary void a mission-critical task—and if early signs are to be believed, Chuma Edoga may very well be the man for the job.
So while the headlines may focus on Guyton’s injury or potential external signings, don’t be surprised if the Cowboys look inward instead. Sometimes, the best solutions aren’t flashy. They’re experienced. Battle-tested. Ready. And already wearing the star.
