Cowboys, Tyron Smith far apart on OT's value, appear ready to part ways in free agency
End of an era: #Cowboys All-Pro and Pro Bowl LT Tyron Smith will be a free agent and is unlikely to return to Dallas, sources say. The blindside protector since 2011, Smith will be highly coveted. pic.twitter.com/eiTolVeFw6
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 2, 2024
Tyron Smith, set to hit free agency for the first time in his illustrious career, is not expected to be back in Dallas in 2024, according to Ian Rapoport who called it the “end of an era.” The ninth-overall pick in the 2011 NFL draft had been mainstay at OT for the Cowboys from Day 1, but apparently the two sides have too much room between what each side sees as a reasonable deal for Smith to return.
From Tony Romo to Dak Prescott, Smith was charged with protecting the quarterback’s blindside. It was a job he didn’t take lightly, and a role not easily replaced.
In a free agent class that can accurately be described as paltry, at best, for the position, Smith will be a hot commodity to the many teams seeking upgrades at LT.
Smith’s reliability had become a concern in Dallas. Over the past four seasons the former All Pro had only averaged 7.5 regular season games per year. When he played, he was his usual dominant self. It just didn’t happen frequently enough.
In 2023 the Cowboys restructured Smith’s contract to reduce his base salary and free up cap space. His future with the Cowboys was in question up to that point and it allowed the veteran to stay aboard for another season. Smith rewarded them with a spectacular year, playing in 13 regular season games and ranking as one of the best LTs in the game, once again.
If Smith leaves the Cowboys as Rapoport suggests, Dallas will likely turn to internal options or the NFL draft to find a replacement. Internal OT prospects like Asim Richards, Matt Waletzko and Josh Ball are possible but moving Tyler Smith back to LT seems the most feasible.
Tyler Smith played LT at Tulsa and manned the post for the Cowboys during his rookie season in 2022. While he looked better as a LG in 2023, he was still one of the top performing rookie LTs in recent years and was on an impressive trajectory before he ultimately moved inside.
Speaking to reporters as the combine earlier in the week, Stephen Jones discussed Tyler Smith’s versatility between the two positions and instead of naming his ideal location for Smith, he left the matter somewhat open for discussion.
Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones at combine on if he prefers Tyler Smith to stay at LG: “That remains to be seen. It’s starting to feel like Larry Allen all over again.” Can dominate at G or T. “His versatility certainly brings options to the table in terms of how we look at this team… pic.twitter.com/lhTuKROKrQ
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) February 27, 2024
If the Cowboys decide to keep Tyler Smith at guard, they would likely turn to the draft to address LT. The 2024 NFL draft is rich in OT talent and an option or two is likely to slip to Dallas at Pick 24, or possibly even 56 if the Cowboys are willing to wait.
As mentioned earlier, free agency doesn’t offer many great options so the Cowboys will have to focus on internal options or the draft for real solutions. Luckily for them both avenues offer solutions.
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