It appears left tackle Tyron Smith and the Dallas Cowboys will be parting ways after 13 seasons together. The five-time All-Pro has solidified himself as one of the best offensive linemen in NFL history, during his time in Dallas.
The Cowboys drafted Smith out of USC with the ninth overall pick back in the 2011 NFL Draft. He made an immediate impact, as Pro Football Focus selected him as a first-team All-Pro tackle as a rookie (for those who put stock into PFF). Smith anchored the offensive line alongside All-Pro guard Zack Martin who is still under contract with the team.
Tyron Smith, Dallas Cowboys Part Ways
The goal of each NFL general manager is to find a high-caliber starting quarterback. Once you find one, getting a tackle to protect him is next. Cowboys fans have been fortunate to watch a tackle like Smith block for Tony Romo and Dak Prescott over the past 13 seasons.
Tyron Smith is coming off a great season with the Dallas Cowboys where he was named second-team All-Pro. However, injuries have been a factor of late, as he has missed at least three games every season since 2016. The Cowboys are currently looking for ways to get under the salary cap and letting the eight-time Pro-Bowler walk seems reasonable considering his injury history.
Tyron Smith Free Agency Destinations
The 33-year-old tackle should have plenty of suitors should he continue his playing career. It is just a question of whether or not he wants to take a veteran discount to play for a contender or sign a two or three-year contract with a team that is willing to overpay for an older left tackle. It was reported that the Cowboys and Smith were far apart in contract negotiations and that is why he will not be returning to the team.
According to Spotrac, his contract value is around $7.4 million this season which is not very much for an All-Pro tackle. It seems like he will attract tons of attention on the open market. With that being said, here are three Tyron Smith free agency destinations.
Kansas City Chiefs
If Tyron Smith is willing to take a veteran discount, who else would you rather play for than the back-to-back Super Bowl champions? The Kansas City Chiefs could use a veteran like Smith to protect Patrick Mahomes for at least one more season. During the Patriots’ dynasty, we would often see veteran players take less money to have a chance to win a Super Bowl. We will likely see veterans like Smith take less to play in Kansas City to have a shot to contend. Expect the Chiefs to be in play for the All-Pro tackle.
New York Jets
The New York Jets are in desperate need of help along their offensive line that played poorly in 2023. Protecting Aaron Rodgers, who is coming off of an Achilles tear, should be the top priority for the team this offseason. Smith would fit in nicely on that offensive line and would have the opportunity to play for a Hall of Fame quarterback. I could see the Jets overpaying for Smith as it seems that they are all in for the next 1-2 seasons with Rodgers at the helm.
General manager Joe Douglas will be in desperate need to reboot the offensive line, as his and Robert Saleh’s jobs could be on the line this season.
Los Angeles Rams
After playing high school football at Rancho Verde High School in California and then at USC, a California reunion would be a nice fit for the 33-year-old left tackle. We also saw how well the move out west played for veteran left tackle Andrew Whitworth.
The Rams offensive line started to come together in the second half of last season. As Matthew Stafford continues to age, I expect Rams head coach Sean McVay to do whatever it takes to keep Stafford healthy. The Rams should be a playoff team again in 2024, and they could allow Smith to play alongside teammates who know how to win big games. The Rams have just over $40,000,000 in cap space currently and would be able to bring Smith on should the two sides be interested in each other.
