The Dallas Cowboys’ 2024 season fell short of expectations, plagued by injuries and underwhelming performances from key players. The disappointing outcome led to a change in the team’s leadership for 2025 and a renewed focus on strengthening the offense, highlighted by the addition of a new offensive lineman in the draft and a wide receiver to bolster the unit.
One of the players forced into a starting role earlier than expected was Tyler Guyton, the Cowboys’ first-round pick who stepped in at left tackle after Tyron Smith went down with an injury. Guyton spoke about his performance in a surprising way, confidently stating that he’s a different player heading into the new season.
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Tyler Guyton Addresses Bad Rookie Season
Guyton’s rookie season came under less-than-ideal circumstances for any NFL player. Not only was he tasked with replacing a highly talented veteran in Tyler Smith, but he also stepped into a disjointed situation, especially after Dak Prescott’s injury disrupted the offense.
In the 15 games he played, Guyton started 11 and allowed 26 pressures and six sacks while committing 18 total penalties. These numbers reflect a challenging season marked by growing pains and a tougher-than-expected adjustment to the NFL. In the matchup against the New Orleans Saints, for example, he gave up five pressures to veteran pass rusher Chase Young.
Regarding his performance, the young left tackle admitted he wasn’t satisfied with his rookie year and is fully focused on improving. Guyton stated that he’s been working hard to become a more dependable presence on the offensive line for the 2025 season—someone the franchise can truly count on moving forward.
Cowboys LT Tyler Guyton: “I didn’t do too good last season. I want to do better. I want to be a guy that can be depended on. … I’m not gonna make any excuses. I just didn’t play as good as I needed to last year. I’m coming with a different attitude this year to become a better…
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) May 30, 2025
“I didn’t do too good last season. I want to do better. I want to be a guy that can be depended on,” Guyton said. “I’m not gonna make any excuses. I just didn’t play as good as I needed to last year. I’m coming with a different attitude this year to become a better player.”
The player even mentioned that he’s changing his diet, cutting out fast food and fried foods. Instead, he’s focusing on meals with more vegetables and salmon, officially saying goodbye to “Raising Cane’s.”
In 2024, the Cowboys ranked 23rd in the PFSN Offense+ Metric, a season heavily impacted by Prescott’s injury, but one that was already unraveling before the quarterback went down. The offense felt out of sync, with a run game that struggled to get going, one of the league’s weakest passing attacks, and a young offensive line going through growing pains.
A leap forward from Guyton would be a major boost for Dallas in 2025, as the team looks to get back on a winning path. With the Eagles, reigning Super Bowl champions, and the Commanders, NFC finalists, both surging in the division, the Cowboys will need a strong, reliable offensive line to keep pace and reassert themselves as contenders in the NFC East.