Doug

Free

Free was among the worst left tackles in the league after signing a four-year, $32 million contract in July. Coach Jason Garrett recently confirmed 2011 first-round pick Tyron Smith will begin offseason workouts as the Cowboys’ blindside protector, with Free shifting to right tackle. An above-average tackle in 2009-10, Free’s position switch help him bounce-back in 2012.

Garrett left the door open for a reversal, but this move is a no-brainer. Smith is ultra athletic with the quick feet to fend off the game’s best pass rushers while Doug Free struggled to protect Tony Romo’s blindside last season.

Along with the releases of Terence Newman and David Buehler, the Cowboys have freed up $15.82 million following Monday’s cap hit from the league office. Scandrick will take $5.9 million of his $7.1 million salary in the form of a signing bonus. Free’s base salary dropped from $6 million to $1.2 million, with the difference coming in a signing bonus.

Tyron Smith will man the blindside after Free’s play regressed last season. “I’ve played primarily left in my career, but whatever,” Free said. “It’s just switching over to the other side. I’ve done it before, and I’m ready to do it again.” Barring an unexpectedly rough training camp from Smith, Free should be ready to get comfortable on the right side.

After a wildly impressive rookie campaign at right tackle, Houck compared Smith to Cowboys legend Larry Allen. He just turned 21 years old last month and has a ton of room to grow. Doug Free, who manned the left tackle spot this season, is a more natural right tackle.

Free’s play fell off in 2011, allowing 10 sacks and 33 quarterback pressures along with 10 penalties. He’s more naturally suited to the right side while athletic 2011 first-rounder Tyron Smith has the nimble feet to nail down Tony Romo’s blindside. Smith graded out as Pro Football Focus’ No. 4 tackle as a rookie.

Smith projects as the Cowboys left tackle of the future and is second overall in pass blocking metrics, according to Pro Football Focus. His transition would allow for current starter Doug Free to play at his more natural right tackle position.

Free’s miserable season continued as he got eaten up by Eagles DE Brandon Graham, especially in the first half. He’s been among the league’s worst offensive tackles over the last two seasons and leads the league in penalties this year, but the Cowboys can’t give up on a guy they gave a four-year, $32 million contract to before the 2011 campaign. Free’s backup is Jermey Parnell.

It’s what the Cowboys did down the stretch last season, and it will likely continue through training camp. OC Bill Callahan believes Free hasn’t let his pay-cut become a distraction. “I’m really proud of the way Doug has handled everything that has transpired in the offseason,” Callahan said. “He’s been very positive.” Free should have a slight edge over Parnell, who failed to run with the job when given the opportunity in 2012.

The Cowboys have asked Free to accept roughly a $4 million pay cut from his scheduled $7 million salary, and the 29-year-old has yet to agree. OTAs start on Tuesday, and the Cowboys can’t risk Free injuring himself. Free would be wise to accept, as it would be hard for him to find $3 million on the open market.