With less than two weeks to go until the start of the regular season, the offensive tackle position is a big concern around the Cowboys. After Tyron Smith was injured due to injury and Josh Ball’s poor performance in the preseason, the team is considering different alternatives to reinforce that position. And although the leadership has expressed that the solution “is within the roster”, an incorporation is not ruled out.
Due to this, one day before the final roster cuts in the NFL, a rumor arose about a possible exchange that would interest the cowboy team. But this rumor did not last long.
On Monday afternoon, Pro Football Network’s Aaron Wilson reported according to league sources that the Cowboys were attempting a trade with the Jets. The purpose of the exchange? Offensive tackle Chuma Edoga, arrived at the New York team as a third-round pick in the 2019 Draft.
Dallas Cowboys are attempting to trade for New York Jets offensive tackle Chuma Edoga, per a league source
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 29, 2022
Of course, this rumor caused a stir in both fans. Even David Howman of Blogging The Boys pointed out that the exchange in theory would be difficult to agree. This, apparently, because the relationship between Joe Douglas (general manager of the Jets) and Stephen Jones (executive vice president of the Cowboys) is not very good.
However, this rumor did not last long. A little less than an hour after he was first reported, Aaron Wilson reported that the Cowboys-Jets trade would not go through. This, again, according to sources in the league.
League sources do not expect Cowboys and Jets to execute a trade for Jets offensive tackle Chuma Edoga. Edoga is a former third-round draft pick from USC who has played in 23 career games with 12 career starts. https://t.co/XWuzoakeOm
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) August 29, 2022
While the Cowboys may have opted for Chuma Edoga as a depth piece, he doesn’t sound like a compelling option. In three years with the Jets, the offensive tackle has played in just 24 games, 12 of them as a starter. However, his performance has not been all that good. To this is added that, in said games, he committed three infractions for holding the rival and six more for false starts.
Despite not being to the liking of Jets fans, Edoga is coming off a positive preseason with the New York team. Also, another plus point is that he has more NFL experience than Dallas’ other depth options at tackle. And although the trade did not materialize, it is not ruled out that Edoga will be cut and the Cowboys will incorporate him. Therefore, he will have to wait for what happens this Tuesday.
Back at practice. Here’s new #Jets starting RT Chuma Edoga #MaccagnanKnew pic.twitter.com/0iUjVvd1Tz
— Connor Hughes (@Connor_J_Hughes) August 9, 2022
Who will be the starting left tackle after Tyron Smith is released?
Even if the Cowboys consider adding an outside player for the tackle position, this would be for backup or to add depth to the position. In fact, the Cowboys’ front office has already made it clear that Tyler Smith will be the starting left tackle at the start of the season. This was stated by Stephen Jones on Monday, and Jerry Jones reaffirmed it on Tuesday morning.
Of course, this raises some concern. Dallas coach Mike McCarthy indicated last week that Tyler Smith was aiming to start the season at backup left guard behind Connor McGovern. However, Tyron Smith’s injury changed those plans, prompting the Cowboys to accelerate their plan to use Tyler as the veteran lineman’s future successor.
Jerry Jones on @1053thefan said it’s safe to say the Cowboys will be going with rookie Tyler Smith as their starting left tackle. Jones called it a high ankle sprain that Smith is working to overcome
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 30, 2022
Mike McCarthy said last week Tyler Smith was behind Connor McGovern in the LG competition.@1053SS asked him if that made the idea of Tyler starting at LT scary.
Jerry Jones on @1053thefan says “only the man up above” knows whether Tyler was going to win that spot or not.
— RJ Ochoa (@rjochoa) August 30, 2022
Even if Dallas is opting to move forward with that plan, Tyler Smith may not be ready to be the starting left tackle. It’s true that the Tulsa product had 60% of his reps at that position during OTAs and minicamp. However, Smith has mostly played guard during camp and the preseason. Besides, he continues to show better blocking performance than pass protection.
For now, it remains to be seen if the Cowboys add a tackle in the next few hours after the roster cuts. However, his plan seems clear: If a reinforcement is brought in, it will be for roster depth or to serve as a backup tackle. The Dallas front office trusts Tyler Smith despite being a little raw, so only time will tell if this is the right move.
