Tyler Smith is a cornerstone of Cowboys’ future. But where will he play?

David Helman

Dallas Cowboys Insider

Enough time has passed for Cowboys fans to move to the final stage of grief: acceptance.

Tyron Smith has signed his contract with the Jets and spoken to the New York media. He’s off to man the blind side for Aaron Rodgers in the Jets’ bid to push past a disastrous 2023 season.

It will always be perplexing that the Cowboys were unwilling to pay Smith a deal that only carries $6.5 million in guarantees and a $12.5 million cap hit, but that is irrelevant now. The Cowboys will move forward without their five-time All-Pro.

As we accept this new reality, this story will focus on the other Smith, who is now one of the keys to the Cowboys’ 2024 — Tyler Smith.

It doesn’t take a genius to recognize this Dallas front office has an interesting choice to make around their youngest All-Pro. Smith was drafted two years ago to be a “left side” player; a lineman who could slot in at left guard while eventually taking over at left tackle.

The irony is that the younger Smith spent his rookie season at left tackle when the elder Smith went down with a knee injury in training camp.

And while he might have been solid as a left tackle, it’s hard to deny how Smith blossomed when he kicked inside in Year 2. Pro Football Focus graded him as the No. 9 guard in the league among those who played at least 50% of the snaps. He allowed one sack, two quarterback hits and just 17 pressures — numbers that compare favorably to any guard in the league. He was voted a second-team All-Pro for the effort. 

The Cowboys gave Smith No. 73 after they drafted him, so it shouldn’t be surprising his performance reminded team officials of the guy who made it famous.

“It’s starting to feel like Larry Allen all over again,” said Cowboys chief operating officer Stephen Jones last month. “The great thing about Tyler is his versatility. He could be a great left tackle, too. Larry Allen played one or two years at left tackle, and…

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Publish date : 2024-03-25 16:05:40

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