THE Dallas Cowboys look set to lose one of their cornerstone pieces this free agency.
Stalwart left tackle, Tyron Smith, 33, is reportedly planning not to sign a new deal with the Cowboys, ending a thirteen-year stint in the Lone Star State.
Tyron Smith is reportedly ‘unlikely to re-sign’ with the Dallas CowboysCredit: Getty
Drafted by Dallas in 2011, Smith has been a starter ever since his arrivalCredit: Getty
“My understanding is he is unlikely to re-sign in Dallas,” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said from the Combine.
“The end of an era. He is going to be an extremely coveted free agent. That is a guy who every team could use.”
Selected ninth overall in the 2011 NFL Draft out of USC, Smith made an immediate impact, initially at right tackle, being named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team
Moving to cover then-starting quarterback Tony Romo’s blindside the following year, Smith has remained the starter at the position ever since.
Between 2013 and 2019, he was named to seven consecutive Pro Bowls, while also being named a First-Team All-Pro and a Second-Team All-Pro twice each.
Smith returned to the Pro Bowl in 2021 after an injury-shortened 2020 season, before missing much of the 2022 season with a hamstring injury.
In 2023, he played thirteen games and was named a Second-Team All-Pro once again.
Now having earned over $119 million in his time with the Cowboys, Smith is seemingly set to test free agency once his contract expires on March 13.
Smith will likely be one of if not the most sought-after tackle this offseason.
Other high-profile tackles to hit free agency include Duane Brown, Charles Leno, Trenton Brown, and Jonah Williams.
As for Dallas, replacing Smith will be a tough ask.
There is currently no clear heir apparent already on the roster, with his backup Chuma Edoga also set to become a free agent.
Considering the fact that Dallas is currently slated to be over $4 million over the salary cap next year, as per Spotrac, Jerry Jones and coach Mike McCarthy may have to look to the draft for Smith’s replacement.
Set to pick 24th overall in the first round and 56th in the second, the Cowboys could look to target one of this year’s top prospects at the position.
Unsurprisingly, the Cowboys have already spoken with a fair few of this year’s tackle prospects.
Amarius Mims, J.C. Latham, Jordan Morgan, Isaiah Adams, Tyler Guyton, Christian Jones, Troy Fautanu, and potentially Taliese Fuaga have all spoken with the team, as per Nick Harris of DallasCowboys.com.
Smith is an eight-time Pro Bowler and five-time All-ProCredit: Getty