Cowboys 2026 roster rundown: G Tyler Booker
We’re just about three months out from the start of the Cowboys’ 2026 training camp. To help count us down to the opening ceremonies in Oxnard, CA, and better familiarize ourselves with this year’s roster, we’re going to go through every player currently signed and in line to be part of camp. Our series starts with someone we know will be there in late July: starting guard Tyler Booker.
As we are talking about a three-month period, it’s possible that players we cover in this series won’t actually make it to camp. A lot can happen with ongoing roster transactions, especially in the aftermath of the draft, around June-1st cuts, and shortly before camp. We also have the rookie camp, OTAs, and other activities over the next six weeks which could lead to injuries. So this disclaimer is just to say that things are subject to change.
At least for our first profile, it would take something pretty catastrophic for him not to be at training camp.
Background
Years in NFL: 1
Acquired by: Drafted (2025 1st-round)
When the Cowboys entered the 2025 NFL Draft, guard was hardly their biggest positional need. This was before we knew what Javonte Williams had in him, or that the team would end up trading for George Pickens. There were also big concerns at cornerback and defensive tackle, the latter of which was later addressed in the trades for Quinnen Williams and Kenny Clark. But sitting at the 12th pick, Dallas did not move up for top prospects at those positions like Ashton Jeanty, Tetairoa McMillan, or Mason Graham. Instead, they stood pat and found a new right guard with Alabama’s Tyler Booker.
With Tyler Smith already an All-Pro at left guard and center Cooper Beebe entering his second year, Dallas using such a premium pick on another interior lineman seemed like overkill to some. But with the legendary Zack Martin’s retirement just a couple months earlier, the Cowboys weren’t content to let journeymen battle for the job. When those top RB, WR, and other prospects came off the board, Dallas went with Booker’s talent and immediately plugged him in as the heir to Martin’s RG throne.
As a rookie, Booker more than rewarded Dallas’ faith. He was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team and graded out as the league’s 16th-best guard, right or left, according to Pro Football Focus. Like many young guards, Booker showed more prowess in the run game than in pass protection. But any growing pains were far outweighed by his run blocking and overall play. Even after missing Weeks 4-6 with an ankle injury, Booker returned and forged his path to first-year accolades.
Contract Status
Years Left: 3 (plus 5th-year option)
2026 Cap Hit: $5.08 million
If he continues to be one of the better starting guards in the league, Booker is a tremendous value. His teammate Tyler Smith is currently the league’s highest-paid guard at $24 million a year, so pairing that with Booker’s rookie contract for the next few years is huge for Dallas’ cap management. We should get at least two more years of that benefit before his agent starts looking for more, but the Cowboys have control through the fifth-year option in 2029.
2026 Projections
Role: Starting RG
Roster Chance: 100%
Few Cowboys have more “boom” potential this year than Tyler Booker. This will be his first full offseason with the team and it’s highly-respected offensive line brain trust: Coordinator Klayton Adams and OL Coach Conor Riley. With more physical and technical development, Booker could make a big leap forward in his second season. And if we also get the third-year jump that we hope for from Beebe at center, that will be even more help for Booker as he moves forward. Or, who knows? Maybe the younger guy ends up helping the older.
Obviously, Booker has little to worry about in terms of his roster spot. He doesn’t even face a tangible threat for the starting job. While Dallas is technically paying T.J. Bass more money in 2026, that’s a function of his restricted free agency status and not a reflection of any move into the starting line. Bass is a well-paid backup, while Booker is the superior player and a huge bargain as a starter.
Inexperienced as he is, Tyler Booker is already one of the strengths of this roster. He enters 2026 with a head full of steam and a career already pointing toward greatness. If that momentum continues, he may start racking up other awards the way his predecessor used to.
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