Tyron Smith Mentoring Tyler Guyton Is Exactly What the Dallas Cowboys Need

As the Dallas Cowboys offensive line transitions into a new era, the retirement of stalwarts Zack Martin and Tyron Smith marks the end of one of the most dominant line combinations in recent NFL history.

While Martin and Smith both walk away from the game as surefire Pro Football Hall of Fame candidates, Smith’s impact on the team isn’t quite finished yet.

The eight-time Pro Bowler is already giving back to the organization that drafted him ninth overall in 2011. Despite announcing his retirement following a short stint in free agency, Smith has remained close to the team. This week, he was spotted mentoring second-year left tackle Tyler Guyton after the conclusion of the Cowboys’ organized team activities (OTAs).

Nick Harris of the *Fort Worth Star-Telegram* captured a moment that could have a lasting impact on the Cowboys’ offensive line future: Smith offering one-on-one guidance to Guyton. It’s a small but meaningful gesture that shows Smith’s ongoing commitment to the franchise and the importance of passing the torch to the next generation.

Guyton, a 2024 first-round pick out of Oklahoma, had a shaky rookie season, struggling with both consistency and technique in limited action. While it’s far too early to write him off, expectations are sky-high in Dallas, and Guyton knows he needs to take a significant leap in his second year. Having a mentor like Smith—arguably the best left tackle in Cowboys history—could be the catalyst he needs.

Smith’s career speaks for itself. A two-time All-Pro and cornerstone of the offensive line during the Tony Romo and Dak Prescott eras, Smith was known for his elite footwork, hand placement, and football IQ. While injuries plagued the later part of his career, his influence in the locker room and on the field never waned.

There may be no better player to help Guyton grasp the nuances of playing left tackle at the highest level. Whether it’s learning to anchor against premier edge rushers or managing the mental aspect of the game, Smith’s experience is invaluable.

Beyond technical coaching, Smith’s mentorship sends a powerful message about culture and legacy. For a franchise defined by its storied history, seeing a legend like Smith give back in this way reinforces the Cowboys’ identity: a place where greatness is not only achieved but passed on.

Tyron Smith and Zack Martin may soon share the stage in Canton, but for now, Smith is still shaping the Cowboys’ future—one rep at a time. If Tyler Guyton can absorb even a fraction of what Smith has to offer, the offensive line might be in good hands for years to come.