The Cowboys offensive line went from a strength to a liability in just two seasons. Here is exactly how it happened.
Left Tackle: Tyron Smith's departure in 2024 free agency left a void that has not been filled. The current starter allowed 8 sacks in 2025, tied for 4th-most among left tackles per PFF.
Left Guard: The one bright spot. Tyler Smith transitioned to guard and posted a 78.4 PFF grade, which is above average. His run blocking grade of 82.1 was top-10 at the position.
Center: Travis Frederick's retirement years ago still echoes. The current center ranked 25th of 32 qualifying starters in PFF pass-blocking grade.
Right Guard: Zack Martin's retirement after 2024 was devastating. His replacement allowed 32 pressures in 2025, compared to Martin's career average of 14 per season. Source: PFF.
Right Tackle: Terence Steele has been average. 64.2 PFF grade. Not a weakness but not a strength.
The impact on the offense:
- Dak was pressured on 37.2% of dropbacks, 5th-highest rate in the NFL (source: PFF)
- The run game averaged 3.8 yards per carry, 27th in the league (source: Pro Football Reference)
- Sack rate jumped from 5.1% in 2023 to 8.3% in 2025
The fix: Round 1 of the 2026 draft must be an interior offensive lineman. There is no other path forward.
Sources:
- PFF — all individual grades and pressure data
- Pro Football Reference — team rushing and sack stats
Tyler Smith is the future of this line. Move him to left tackle where his athleticism is maximized and draft a guard in round 1.