15 best free agent signings in Dallas Cowboys history
By Randy Gurzi
8. Kyle Kosier, G, 2006
Throughout his career, Kyle Kosier proved to be an extremely versatile player. He began his time at Arizona State as a defensive end but then switched to the offensive line out of necessity. He ended up playing both guard and tackle before being drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the seventh round of the 2002 NFL Draft.
Despite being taken in the final round, Kosier didn’t let his draft status define him. He became a starting left guard by his second season and by 2004, he was starting at left tackle for the Niners. He then re-joined Steve Mariucci with the Detroit Lions after signing as a restricted free agent in 2005.
Kosier played just one year with the Lions before heading to Dallas in 2006 on a five-year, $15 million contract. He was then asked to do something impossible — replace Larry Allen.
While Kosier could never be as good as the Hall of Famer, he did keep the offensive line humming. And he also continued to show his versatility, moving from left guard to right tackle in 2011. This move itself highlights what Kosier meant to the Dallas team since it was done to put him next to rookie Tyron Smith, allowing their future franchise tackle to have a veteran mentor at his hip.
Bill Callahan: Tyron Smith "has been drilling very well”; he will use communication skills he learned from Kyle Kosier to fit in at LT.
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) May 5, 2012
In addition to helping Smith get up to speed, Kosier was often the one calling the offensive line adjustments, a job usually designated to the center. But his high football IQ once again proved invaluable, which is why this was such a good signing.