If the Dallas Cowboys' offensive tackle depth gets tested at any point during the 2026 NFL season, then Brian Schottenheimer's offense may be in trouble. Tyler Guyton and Terence Steele are good starters, but Nate Thomas and Drew Shelton are a frightening duo behind them.
Thomas was once in contention, at least ostensibly, for the starting left tackle gig, but he regressed tremendously this preseason. And Shelton hasn't performed well at either tackle position thus far, so Dallas fans are already wondering why the team used a fourth-round draft pick on him in April.
With no clear answer at the tackle spots if one of the starters goes down (please don't say Tyler Smith), the Cowboys need to be scanning the market in the coming days for talent at the position. Here are five names to keep an eye on with roster cutdowns looming on Sunday.
5 offensive tackles for Cowboys to monitor ahead of NFL cutdown day
Broderick Jones, Pittsburgh Steelers
Jones is young and has plenty of experience, but the Steelers have drafted two first-round offensive tackles in the last two years, so he has become expendable. He has experience playing both tackle spots, and as a former first-round pick, Jones obviously has incredible upside to tap into.
It may take a trade to land the 25-year-old tackle, but if the Cowboys get desperate enough, a late-round roster swap or sending a fringe roster player to Pittsburgh could do the trick. One thing is for sure: Jones has more skins on the wall and is more talented than Thomas or Shelton.
Albert Reese IV, Carolina Panthers
Carolina is in a bit of offensive tackle hell with their injuries, so Reese IV may not even hit waivers. But he was a UDFA, so him making the Panthers' 53-man roster is far from a guarantee. While he has only played right tackle this preseason, Reese IV played some left tackle in college.
This preseason, he has been excellent in the run game and is improving as a pass protector. Reese IV turned in a staggering 91.5 PFF grade last week, including a 93.3 mark against the run and 82.0 pass protection score. He has gotten better in every game and could continue to do so in Dallas.
Dametrious Crownover, New England Patriots
The Patriots already had a pair of veteran tackles, but they drafted a first-rounder (Caleb Lomu) to be the heir to the throne. Just for safe keeping, they also added a toolsy tackle in Round 6 (Crownover)... does this sound familiar to anyone? This could be Drake Maye and Joe Milton all over again.
Crownover was a solid prospect coming out of Texas A&M, and he was born and raised in the lone star state. He could get waived during cutdown day, or potentially be had for a small price. He's a good pass blocker and developing as a mauler in the run game. He's got size and potential.
Tristan Leigh, Minnesota Vikings
Leigh is buried on the Vikings' depth chart as a rookie UDFA and is not showing his best stuff this preseason, so he should be on waivers, and the Cowboys may not have much or any competition for him. He has talent, as Leigh is a former five-star prospect, though he's a bit raw.
In the pre-draft process, Leigh intrigued teams with his kick-step, and he is a smooth lateral mover. But he lacks a bit of strength and gets thrown around at times. Leigh is purely a project, and may not solve any immediate issues. Dallas could kick the tires on him if they believe in Thomas or Shelton.
Vederian Lowe, San Francisco 49ers
Lowe is a veteran with 25 starts under his belt during the last three seasons, and he played in all 17 games, as well as all four playoff games, for the AFC Champion Patriots a season ago. Now with the 49ers, his route to making the roster isn't crystal clear, but he still has value.
He can play both tackle spots, and has in the NFL, so that is a bonus. Honestly, Lowe could step in and be the swing tackle right away behind Guyton and Steele. He's a better pass blocker than run blocker, but Lowe is also a core special teamer and would add value even if not playing offense.
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