With the retirement of Zack Martin, the Dallas Cowboys were left with significant gaps on their offensive line. However, fourth-year guard Tyler Smith is poised to step up, having already proven himself as one of the league's top interior offensive linemen. Ranked second among interior linemen in ESPN's annual survey, Smith's athleticism and reduced penalty counts signal his growth and readiness to take on a leadership role.

As a former first-round pick, Smith's potential is undeniable, with reports suggesting he could excel at left tackle if needed. His performance will be critical for the Cowboys as they navigate the season without a future Hall of Famer on the line.

The Dallas Cowboys are making significant changes to their offensive line this season resulting from the retirement of veteran guard Zack Martin. In a bid to fill the void, the team has signed former Miami Dolphins guard Robert Jones, who brings experience as a 30-game starter. Although Jones has not reached Martin's previous level of play, he offers a more manageable drop-off compared to the recent decline of Martin's performance, which saw him post an overall Pro Football Focus grade of just 65.2 this past season.

Alongside Jones, the team is looking towards the future with first-round picks Tyler Smith and Tyler Guyton, as well as the selection of Cooper Beebe in the third round of the 2024 draft. The Cowboys are committed to rebuilding their offensive line, hoping to restore the once-dominant Great Wall of Dallas. This transition marks a new chapter for the Cowboys, emphasizing a focus on youth and potential as they navigate the upcoming season.

The Dallas Cowboys are under pressure to improve from their disappointing 7-10 finish last season, looking towards the 2025 NFL playoffs. At the forefront of their hopes is Dak Prescott, the highest-paid quarterback in history, whose performance will be critical. The success of key players like Micah Parsons, CeeDee Lamb, and Tyler Smith is also essential for a successful season.

In a recent analysis, Pro Football Focus highlighted two potential breakout players for the Cowboys in 2025: offensive lineman Cooper Beebe and running back Javonte Williams. Beebe, transitioning from guard to center, represents the future of the Cowboys' offensive line. Meanwhile, Williams, joining from free agency, is expected to provide a much-needed boost in the running game.

In the NFL offseason, team bonding is crucial for building chemistry among players, particularly for quarterbacks with their offensive skill-position teammates. However, the Dallas Cowboys are focusing on the offensive line, utilizing the expertise of training guru Duke Manyweather and his OL Masterminds program located in Frisco. Players like Tyler Guyton, Tyler Smith, and others are refining their techniques with Manyweather's guidance, emphasizing posture, strength, and balance to enhance their performance.

Manyweather's training philosophy is grounded in developing the mind, body, and craft of each lineman. By fostering a collaborative environment among top players across the league, this program not only improves individual skills but also cultivates a strong brotherhood among offensive linemen. As the Cowboys gear up for training camp, the work done with Manyweather aims to elevate the entire offensive line's efficiency and effectiveness.

The Dallas Cowboys are currently strategizing a lucrative contract extension for offensive lineman Tyler Smith, who has established himself as one of the top guards in the NFL at just 24 years old. With projections suggesting he could become the highest-paid offensive lineman in history, the Cowboys exercised his fifth-year option, securing him through the 2026 season at a salary of $21.27 million.

As Smith's prowess continues to shine, the Cowboys face a dilemma: they must balance the financial implications of a substantial extension estimated at $76 million over four years against the potential for a franchise tag in 2027 that could exceed $28 million. With his current base salary set at $2.5 million for 2025, accepting a $19 million per year deal may not be in Smith's best interest, especially given his trajectory toward proving himself as a top-three guard this season.