The Dallas Cowboys are once again in a pickle at left tackle, but signing Jason Peters could quell those concerns. Tyron Smith has played only 13 games over the past two seasons and will miss most — if not all of 2022 — after suffering a devastating injury to his knee. After last season, Dallas decided to move on from right tackle La’el Collins and roll into this season with Smith and Terence Steele as the only two viable options at tackle.
Well, the drafted Tyler Smith played left tackle at Tulsa, but severe technical deficiencies made him a better fit for guard at the NFL level. Now, he could be forced to the outside if Dallas decides to start him on the outside instead of Peters. But Tyler Smith showed promise at left guard during the preseason.
The goal for the Cowboys should be starting the best five linemen they have, and Peters at left tackle and Smith at left guard would make for a better five than starting Smith at LT and Connor McGovern at LG. Despite being over 40 years old now, Peters was still more than capable at tackle for the Bears a season ago.
Jason Peters gives Cowboys the best option at left tackle
When you’re scraping the bottom of the barrel in free agency a week before the NFL season, you’ll find a bunch of players who were just cut from other NFL teams or older veterans who are over the hill and can’t play anymore.
While Eric Fisher is nearly 10 years younger than Peters, it was clear a season ago who the better player was. Fisher was trying to return from an Achilles tear he suffered in the AFC Championship Game the previous season, but it was clear he wasn’t himself anymore.
Unless the Cowboys wanted to trade draft assets for an unwanted third tackle elsewhere, which would have been very out of character, Peters is the best option on the market.
Jason Peters is the wily veteran with all the tricks
After playing 17 NFL seasons, one picks up on a few tricks of the trade that younger players at the position wouldn’t even dream of trying. A look at some advanced metrics from Peters’ 2021 season could dissuade some Cowboys fans from wanting the future Hall of Fame tackle who played so many years against the star.
But stats like sacks, QB hits, and pressures allowed are subjective. One must remember that Peters protected a very young Justin Fields playing as a rookie. Many believe that mobility is a key ability in avoiding pressures in the pocket and getting away from sacks. But often, the opposite is true. Being mobile is used as a crutch, and athleticism can often lead to pressures and sacks unnecessarily.
The above video is a perfect example of just how explosive Peters still was last season at 39. Peters can still generate outstanding explosiveness in his vertical set, and he does the same when he changes things up and utilizes a jump set on passing plays as well.
Very few in the game are able to offer as many different looks as Peters gives pass rushers. Having a veteran of his ilk around the likes of Tyler Smith, McGovern, Tyler Biadasz, and Steele would be a massive benefit for their learning curve as well.
In fact, Peters himself spoke about mentorship on SiriusXM NFL last month. He wants to help teach and guide the younger generation on a competing team. The Cowboys’ line is very young, and the team certainly expects to compete for the NFC East again this season.
Peters would provide a devasting partner for Tyler Smith in the run game
Part of the reason Dallas drafted Smith was because of his tenacity in the run game, which he could really show off with the slide inside to guard. He’s a naturally powerful run blocker with better hands in the run than in pass protection and outstanding lower body strength and leg drive to devastate defenders.
Peters still excels as a run blocker. Power and athleticism have yet to escape him, even at his advanced age. But with that age comes the wisdom and control of a veteran. He’s a lethal second-level blocker still, and the power and accuracy he brings on combo blocks will work perfectly alongside Smith.
The Cowboys go into every season with Jerry and Stephen Jones talking about their desire to run the ball more. They want football to look like it did when they were winning Super Bowls nearly 30 years ago. But Dallas must improve their rushing attack heading into this season.
Dallas ranked 26th in rushing success rate in the last half of the regular season. Having two dominant blockers on the left side of the line could do wonders for their efficiency there.
Peters isn’t perfect. While he’s still an acceptable option on the left side and Dallas’ best chance for success, he isn’t the six-time All-Pro he was from 2007-2016. But there’s a chance Peters would still be the second-best lineman on the Cowboys’ front five, behind the still elite Zack Martin.