The Dallas Cowboys still have two games left on the schedule, but with their playoff hopes officially extinguished and a three-game losing streak weighing heavy, the focus in Dallas has already shifted to what comes next. The fan base, once dreaming of a postseason run, is now eyeing a higher draft pick - and the front office may be doing the same.
But while most of the attention is understandably on the coaching situation, there's another storyline quietly gaining momentum: the future of right tackle Terence Steele. And based on recent decisions, the Cowboys may already be preparing for life without him.
Let’s start with what happened after Sunday’s loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. Offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer made it clear that Tyler Smith - who slid over from guard to start at left tackle - will remain the starter at that spot for the final two games, regardless of whether Tyler Guyton is healthy enough to return. If Guyton does come back, he’ll be the swing tackle, which opens the door for him to potentially get reps at right tackle.
That’s not just a depth chart update. That’s a signal.
Steele’s 2025 campaign has been rocky, and while his contract technically runs through 2026, there’s an easy out after next season that could help the Cowboys clean up their cap situation. Combine that with his inconsistent play, and the writing may already be on the wall.
Meanwhile, Smith has looked the part at left tackle - the most important spot on the line when it comes to protecting Dak Prescott’s blindside. He’s been dominant at left guard, no question, but his versatility and physicality make him a viable long-term option at tackle if the Cowboys decide to go that route. And with Guyton’s development still in progress, the coaching staff might be thinking about a future where Smith locks down the left side, and Guyton - who played over 1,000 snaps at right tackle at Oklahoma - slides into Steele’s role on the right.
Guyton has shown flashes this year, but he’s also battled injuries and struggled with pre-snap penalties. The talent is there, but he needs reps.
And he can’t develop from the sideline. If the Cowboys believe he’s ready to take over at right tackle, that could be the move that reshapes the entire offensive line heading into 2026.
It also explains why Nathan Thomas, who was fully healthy last week, didn’t get the nod at left tackle. Smith starting there instead of Thomas tells you everything about who the Cowboys trust to protect their quarterback right now.
There’s a bigger-picture strategy at play here. Shifting Smith out to left tackle may not be ideal - his ceiling is arguably higher at guard - but it could solve a major problem without forcing Dallas to spend a premium draft pick on an offensive tackle. And with two first-rounders in their pocket, that flexibility could allow the front office to double down on defense, where reinforcements are needed.
Of course, nothing has been finalized for 2026. But the fact that Smith will finish the season at left tackle - despite being one of the league’s most dominant guards - speaks volumes.
This could be a short-term move to keep Prescott upright through the final stretch. Or it could be the first step in a bigger transition.
Either way, the decision to keep Smith at tackle and potentially shift Guyton to the right side sends a clear message: the Cowboys are evaluating their offensive line with next season in mind. And as of now, Terence Steele’s future in Dallas is looking more uncertain by the week.