For the first time since the opening weeks of the season, the Cowboys went through their preparation for the Week 11 game against the Raiders with their offensive line completely intact. No one was questionable, no one was limited in practice–the front five was completely healthy, and played like it on Monday night.
Heading into Week 12, the team is in much the same position. But there was still a move to add to the depth of the unit this week, as the Cowboys announced that they have signed Nick Leverett, a veteran offensive guard who made appearances with the Patriots and Cardinals in 2024 after starting his career with the Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent in 2020.
Cowboys Bolstering Offensive Line
Leverett had his best years in Tampa Bay, particularly in 2022, when he played in 11 games and started in 10 of them. He lost his starting job the following year, and signed with the Patriots as a free agent in 2024. He was cut midway through the season by New England, though, and landed with the Cardinals.
He’d been with the Cardinals for training camp and through the first half of the season, before he was released and signed on with the Cowboys. Leverett will join the team’s practice squad to provide depth on the offense line.
Cowboys Unit Has Dipped in Rankings
Traditionally, the Cowboys’ offensive line has been a strength, but this season, it has taken a distinct step backwards. Back in 2021, when it was anchored by the likes of Tyron Smith and Zack Martin, the line was ranked No. 1 in the NFL by Pro Football Focus. But with the departures of those star blockers, the unit has been in flux.
It was No. 12 in the PFF rankings in 2022 and No. 8 in 2023. But it plummeted to 25th last year with Smith gone and Martin on his way out.
Now, it’s ranked No. 21. Writes PFF: “Left tackle Tyler Guyton has shown improvement as of late. The second-year player gave up 19 pressures over the first four games of the season but has surrendered only 13 in his past five outings, including none in Week 11.
“On the other hand, left guard Tyler Smith is going through a rough stretch. After letting up five pressures in his first four games, Smith has surrendered nine over his past five.”
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