The Dallas Cowboys are entering a pivotal offseason under first-year head coach Brian Schottenheimer, and few position groups carry more weight than the offensive line. With a reshuffled roster and a new offensive coordinator in Klayton Adams, every snap in OTAs will be dissected. So when a player of Tyler Smith's caliber sits down for an extended interview with the team's official site, it's safe to pay close attention.
Smith, the versatile offensive lineman who has bounced between guard and tackle since entering the league, opened up Tuesday about his ongoing conversations with the coaching staff regarding where he'll line up in 2026. He also touched on the development of second-year guard Tyler Booker and offered insight into quarterback Dak Prescott's approach this spring. The interview, published by Tommy Yarrish of DallasCowboys.com on May 19, 2026, provides the most direct look yet at how the Cowboys are planning to deploy one of their most valuable frontline assets.
The Smith Question: Guard or Tackle?
Since being drafted in the first round in 2022, Smith has been something of a Swiss Army knife for the Dallas offensive line. He started at left guard as a rookie, kicked out to left tackle in 2023 when Tyron Smith was sidelined by injuries, and then moved back inside when the team drafted Tyler Guyton. Now, with the roster undergoing significant turnover -- and with Guyton and Terence Steele both returning at the tackle spots -- the question of Smith's ideal role has resurfaced.
According to the interview, Smith acknowledged that he and the coaching staff have had multiple conversations about his position going forward. The discussions, he indicated, have been productive and collaborative. Smith expressed comfort with whatever decision is made, noting that his experience at both spots gives the team flexibility.
This is music to the ears of head coach Brian Schottenheimer and the offensive line coach. Having a player who can step in at either guard or tackle -- and play at a Pro Bowl level at both -- is the kind of luxury most teams only dream about. But it also creates a strategic dilemma. Does the staff maximize Smith's impact by locking him in at one position, allowing him to build elite chemistry with Tyler Booker or Cooper Beebe? Or do they keep him as a swing player, ready to plug holes wherever a weak link emerges?
Given the roster construction, the most likely outcome is that Smith settles in at left guard. The Cowboys are deep at tackle with Guyton and Steele, and the guard spot opposite Booker is less settled. However, if Smith's conversations reveal a preference or if the coaching staff sees greater upside with him on the edge, nothing is off the table.
Tyler Booker's Second-Year Trajectory
Smith also took time to praise second-year guard Tyler Booker, who is entering his first full offseason as a projected starter. Booker, a 2025 draft pick, showed flashes as a rookie but is now being counted on to step into a larger role.
Smith described Booker as a player who has absorbed the playbook quickly and is approaching his second season with a maturity beyond his years. He noted that Booker's work ethic in the weight room and film study has been impressive and that the chemistry between the two interior linemen is building rapidly.
For a team that struggled with consistency in the run game last season, a strong interior duo of Smith and Booker could be transformative. The Cowboys have made a point of investing in the offensive line under the new regime, and Booker's development is a key piece of that puzzle. If he can take the leap expected of second-year players, the left side of the line could be a strength for years to come.
Dak Prescott's Offseason Approach
Smith also shared his observations of quarterback Dak Prescott's demeanor this spring. The veteran signal-caller, now fully healthy after a season-ending injury, has been a vocal presence in meetings and on the practice field. According to Smith, Prescott has taken on an even more assertive leadership role, demanding precision and tempo from the offense.
That kind of approach is exactly what a new coaching staff needs. With Schottenheimer taking over as head coach and Adams installing his offensive system, having an experienced quarterback who can serve as an extension of the coaching staff is invaluable. Prescott's ability to command the huddle and communicate protections will be critical, especially as the offensive line continues to sort out its alignment.
What This Means for the Offensive Line Room
The Cowboys' offensive line depth chart is still taking shape. Alongside Smith and Booker, the team has Cooper Beebe and Matt Hennessy competing at center, with Guyton and Steele holding down the tackle spots. The addition of Shiyazh Pete and Drew Shelton provides interesting depth at tackle, while T.J. Bass and Nick Leverett offer competition inside.
Smith's willingness to embrace a flexible role -- and his public confidence in the coaching staff's direction -- sends a strong signal to the locker room. When your best offensive lineman is buying in, it sets a standard for everyone else.
The Bottom Line
This interview isn't just a routine offseason Q&A. It's a window into how the Cowboys are building their offensive line for a critical season. Tyler Smith remains the centerpiece, and his position switch conversations with the staff will be one of the defining storylines of training camp. If he ends up at guard full-time, Booker benefits immensely. If he slides back to tackle, the competition at guard heats up.
Either way, the Cowboys have a player who can handle it -- and a quarterback who is pushing everyone around him to be better. For a team looking to reestablish its identity in 2026, that's a foundation worth building on.