OXNARD, Calif. – When Doug Free broke into the Cowboys’ starting lineup in 2009 it was at right tackle for an injured Marc Colombo.

Over the next two seasons, he started every game at left tackle, but the Cowboys flipped Free and last year’s No. 1 pick Tyron Smith to the opposite sides for 2012.

Even after an offseason of acclimating to right tackle again, Free finds it to be a work in progress.

“I’ve definitely got a lot better than I was, but I’m still working on it,” Free said. “Some of the pass protection stuff I just haven’t found my rhythm yet. It’s coming and I’ll get there.”

Free is basically learning the position again.

“Getting used to kicking with my opposite leg, my set up, learning my angles with pass protection,” Free said. “I didn’t have my best day (Wednesday) but there’s always things to work on.”

Free is also getting accustomed to being the old guy in terms of continuous service with the Cowboys as he enters his sixth season. Over the last two years, the Cowboys have let go of Leonard Davis, Colombo, Andre Gurode and Kyle Kosier, who were staples on the line for years.

“It’s pretty weird,” Free said. “Since I started here, I came in with guys all in their seventh, eighth, ninth year. To finally be here as one of the older guys on the offensive line is weird. ... Every year you lose one or two guys. It’s kind of gone slowly. I think it would’ve been a shock if they left the same year. I had a good time with those guys and they taught me a lot and definitely helped me get me where I am.”