The Dallas Cowboys' roster isn't what it was three years ago. While it's talented enough to win the NFC East, it also has question marks that could torpedo its ceiling.
On offense, Dallas is remarkably returning all 11 starters. That level of continuity is unheard of, but fans have reservations about the depth at various positions, including offensive tackle.
While incredibly durable, Terence Steele is a liability in pass protection, while 2024 first-round pick Tyler Guyton's first two seasons have been defined by injuries and wobbly play at left tackle. The options behind them don't inspire much confidence, either.
With that in mind, the Cowboys should think about signing former Detroit Lions first-round pick Taylor Decker, who's still looking for a new home following his release in March after he and Detroit butted heads over a new contract.
The Dallas Cowboys should give former Lions left tackle Taylor Decker a call
Lions expert Candace Pedraza of Side Lion Report, FanSided's dedicated Lions site, peeled back the curtain on why Decker remains unsigned. It may read as concerning, but it actually underscores why Decker and the Cowboys are a perfect match.
"Taylor Decker had been the major backbone for the Lions' offensive line for years, but his play dropped off in a visible way in 2025. He then dropped the fact that his shoulder had been an issue for him throughout the season, and it was why he'd been contemplating retirement following last season.
When he didn't retire, the Lions cut their losses and released him to make room for Blake Miller through the draft. I think a combination of age, that injury risk, and his previous hinting at retirement has made him a difficult free agent to commit to, even for a team desperate for tackle help."
Pedraza listed several red flags, but the Cowboys aren't "desperate" for tackle help. They just need insurance behind Guyton and Steele, making Decker a perfect fit. A needy team should think twice about signing the 32-year-old to start at left tackle, but Dallas wouldn't be asking him to shoulder that kind of responsibility.
The Cowboys need more experience behind Tyler Guyton and Terence Steele
The Cowboys announced a left tackle competition before mandatory minicamp, making it clear Guyton's starting job was no longer guaranteed. That was absolutely the right decision, but Guyton's challengers are former seventh-round pick Nate Thomas and rookie fourth-rounder Drew Shelton.
Realistically, how much can they make Guyton sweat? Thomas has flashed at times, but he also ranked dead last among offensive tackles last season with a 31.6 PFF pass-blocking grade. He allowed 23 pressures (and three sacks) on 219 pass-blocking snaps, meaning he allowed a pressure every 9.5 reps or on 10.5 percent of his reps in pass protection.
As for Shelton, the Cowboys have a strong track record of finding offensive linemen in the middle rounds, but there's only so much that can be expected from a Day 3 rookie.
It feels like Guyton will win the job as long as he stays healthy. Decker would apply serious pressure on the former first-round pick, which should bring out the best in him.
A full-time starter from the moment he stepped foot in the league, Decker has started 140 games in his career, culminating in a Pro Bowl selection in 2024. His injury history is a legitimate concern, but he's also started at least 14 games in eight of 10 seasons.
If the Cowboys want a genuine LT competition this summer, they'd give Decker a call before he's scooped up by another team with playoff aspirations.
Add us as a preferred source on Google