The Cowboys’ recent moves and statements have made their offensive line one of the more interesting position groups heading into the 2023 season. With 2022 starter Connor McGovern off to Buffalo, the Cowboys starting left guard position is up for grabs in 2023.
Statements from Jerry Jones indicate Dallas would prefer to keep both Smiths at tackle with Steele working behind them in a depth role. Subsequent statements from the team indicated Steele could potentially see cross-training inside or various other internal candidates could be possible solutions to replace McGovern at LG.
As discussed previously, the most likely solution at LG looks like a rookie draft pick. It explains why Jones initially said Steele would be the swing tackle instead of arranging the current roster to get the five best linemen on the field together.
Jones presumably envisions Dallas bringing in fresh talent to take over the left guard spot, which would explain why he isn’t eager to move Steele. Jones was picturing what the best five would look like after the draft rather than what the best five are today.
But intentions aren’t always reality and the Cowboys may have to fall back on that Plan B they alluded to: fill the LG spot from within.
One of the internal candidates is third year man, Matt Farniok.