Schottenheimer’s comments were clearly intended to provoke the 24-year-old Guyton; otherwise the coach would not have had to make a statement at all. He would just let the process work. After two years of inconsistency, that opens the possibility of a trade warning for the former first baseman.
Thomas, a 2024 seventh-rounder drafted 204 picks behind Guyton, started four games last season but struggled, leading the Cowboys to rotate Pro Bowl left guard Tyler Smith to tackle for the final four games. Dallas prefers to keep Smith at the price, which has led to competition at LT. However, if things take a turn for the worst, Schotty may choose to reconsider. Instability on Dak Prescott’s blindside is a recipe for disaster.
Guyton simply takes one day at a time.
“Same level, come to work every day, try to get better, prepare for the next day,” Guyton said. “There is competition everywhere in the team. This is a football team and everyone wants to play. Friendly competition is not bad. It brings out the best in people.”
The Cowboys hope it brings out the best in their former first-round pick; otherwise they could be in trouble in 2026.