The Dallas Cowboys eventually want Tyron Smith to protect Tony Romo’s blindside, but due in no small part to the lockout, which is nearing its 100th day, those plans may be delayed. According to Dan Pompei of the National Football Post, incumbent Doug Free will likely start at left tackle once more this season, as Smith remains on the right side--the position he played at USC.
From the NFP:
“The position of Cowboys first rounder Tyron Smith also could be affected by the lockout. Eventually, the Cowboys want Smith at left tackle because he is a superior athlete. They would do it this year if they felt Smith, a right tackle at Southern Cal, was ready to make the switch. But their inability to work with him has them thinking they might be better keeping him at right tackle for a year, and then flipping Smith and Doug Free down the road.”
The question then, becomes what to do with Marc Colombo, the veteran who started at right tackle last season, but whose play (and health) has declined over the past few years. Perhaps he could be kept around as a backup, but he would be a decidedly expensive one--Dallas owes him $1.9 million in 2011, and a $500,000 roster bonus this offseason. Needless to say, Dallas probably doesn't want to pay up.
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