After a week of pointing out a lot of the flaws and salary cap issues on the offense we finally have something nice to say. The offensive line is in pretty good shape, even with the question mark hanging over Tyron Smith.
If Mike McCarthy's reported remarks about running the ball more are the new reality, the offensive line will be key to making it happen. Can this line be counted on for positive yardage on the ground and still protect Dak Prescott when he drops back to pass?
Let's look and see.
THE CENTER
Tyler Biadasz enters the final year of his contract which pays him a little under $3 million in 2023. The Cowboys are going to have to pay him to keep him beyond this year. He'll be worth every penny as he anchors that line.
Not only should the Cowboys be solid at center this year, they should be set for a few years to come.
THE GUARDS
When it comes to the offensive line, this position is the strongest of the unit. Zack Martin is rock solid and Connor McGovern has been nearly as good on the other side of Biadasz.
The bad news is that McGovern is an unrestricted free agent this year. If I'm Dallas, I find the money to re-sign him. If they can't, the Cowboys have proven they can draft quality lineman.
Another option might be a player they selected in the fifth round of last year's draft. Listed as a tackle, Matt Waletzko might be an option to replace McGovern at guard. At 6-8 and 320 pounds, Waletzko can open up holes for the Cowboys' backs to run through.
Personally, I think Dallas finds a way to retain McGovern.
THE TACKLES
Tyler Smith and Terence Steele should be the starters for the Cowboys in 2023. Yes, I am aware that Tyron Smith is still on the roster and under contract. When healthy he's a beast.
When healthy.
Tyron has only played in 17 games over the past three seasons. The last time he played in every game during a season was back in 2015. This season would be his 13th in the NFL.
Barring the discovery of the Fountain of Youth at The Star, Tyron is not going to get healthier. It may be time for the Cowboys to save a few million dollars in salary and part ways with Tyron Smith.
The Cowboys have placed a second-round tender on Steele, who could sign a big contract elsewhere despite his late-season injury. If Steele does depart, letting Tyron Smith go is probably still likely. The Cowboys have existing options already in the room.
I'm leaning toward Steele remaining in Dallas in 2023, but this is the NFL and Jerry Jones we're talking about.
THE SOLUTION
If the Cowboys salary cap situation comes down to keeping McGovern or Tyron Smith, then Smith has to go. McGovern has more upside going forward at this point.
I'm inclined to let Tyron Smith go no matter what and use whatever money that move saves to address other needs. Again, Dallas has a history of finding quality linemen in the draft and the line has some depth already.
The only way I see Tyron Smith in Dallas next year would be if they can't retain McGovern and Steele. They lose those two and the Cowboys may have no other choice but to hope Tyron Smith can put in one last healthy season.
Solidifying the line with players that can stay of the injured list will go a long way toward establishing a strong run game. It seems McCarthy realizes that his team abandoned the run far too early and often in the past.
Using the big men to soften up the defense will only help make Prescott and the passing game that much better. They might even be able to carry the Cowboys all the way to that big game in Las Vegas in February we're all interested in.
