The Dallas Cowboys are entering the 2025 season with high hopes pinned on second-year left tackle Tyler Guyton, whose transformation has sparked excitement within the organization. After a challenging rookie season, Guyton has taken significant steps to reshape his career, and the Cowboys are banking on his growth to solidify their offensive line.
For nearly a decade, the left tackle position was a stronghold for the Cowboys, anchored by All-Pro Tyron Smith. However, injuries plagued Smith in his final years with the team, leading to his departure in free agency last year. The Cowboys responded by drafting Guyton in the first round, tasking him with filling the void left by a franchise legend. The transition was far from smooth.
Guyton’s rookie season was marked by struggles both on and off the field. Eased into the starting role during training camp, he was sidelined by injury before the season began, disrupting his preparation. Once on the field, he faced the steep learning curve of NFL speed while adapting to a position change from right tackle in college to left tackle in the pros. The external pressure of replacing Smith, who had successfully made the same positional shift years earlier, only compounded the challenge.
Discipline issues further hindered Guyton’s performance. He tied for the second-most penalized player in the NFL with 14 infractions, including five false starts and five holding calls. “Of course, there are going to be ebbs and flows,” Guyton reflected. “I understand that it already happened. It’s in the past, and I’m going to move forward from it and learn from my mistakes.”
This offseason, Guyton has shown a renewed commitment to his craft. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer praised the young tackle’s dedication, noting that Guyton was among the first players back in the team facility. “He hasn’t missed a day,” Schottenheimer said. “He understands how important this year is for him, not just for him, but for our football team. He looks great and he’s playing at a high level right now, going up against some good speed rushers.”
Schottenheimer also credited the influence of new offensive coordinator Klayton Adams and offensive line coach Conor Riley, whose fundamental approach has suited Guyton well. “I think some of the new things that Klayton and Conor have brought from a fundamental standpoint really fits him,” Schottenheimer added. Despite the lack of contact in OTA practices, Guyton’s early progress has been promising, though the true test will come in the physicality of training camp and regular-season games.
Beyond his work ethic, Guyton has undergone a physical transformation. Noticeably leaner while maintaining his muscular frame, he attributes his improved physique to a complete overhaul of his diet. “I changed my diet completely around,” Guyton said. “Fast foods are out. Fried foods are out. I just try to stick to a strict regimen of vegetables and salmon throughout the week of prep.” The shift wasn’t difficult for Guyton, who admitted to missing favorites like the Caniac Combo from Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers but found the results worth it. “It’s easy when you feel better,” he said. “I feel like my body is more pure right now. I can move more freely, my joints feel better.”
Guyton views his body as a “constant work in progress,” with goals to increase his speed, strength, and flexibility. While the external pressures of following in Smith’s footsteps and adapting to left tackle remain, their weight has lessened. The narrative surrounding Guyton is shifting from living up to expectations to establishing himself as a reliable player in his own right.
As the Cowboys prepare for the 2025 season, their investment in Guyton is clear. His development is critical not only for his career but for the team’s success. With a leaner physique, refined fundamentals, and a renewed mindset, Guyton is poised to prove that his rookie struggles were merely a stepping stone. The Cowboys are betting big on their young left tackle, and if his offseason transformation is any indication, that bet might just pay off.