Dallas Cowboys left tackle Tyron Smith boasted an illustrious career marked by eight Pro Bowl nods and multiple All-Pro honors. He missed out on first-team All-Pro recognition in the 2023 season, but his performance earned him a spot on the second team.
Smith openly expressed his desire to stay with the Cowboys for the 2024 season before hitting the free agency and ultimately moving to another team. Now, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones provided a reason behind the veteran’s leaving and the possibility of replacing him with Tyler Smith.
Jerry Jones talks on Tyron Smith release
The Dallas Cowboys decided to let go of veteran offensive lineman Turon Smith. This move has some fans worried about how they’ll protect their star quarterback Dak Prescott. The team owner, Jerry Jones, explained they couldn’t afford to keep Smith because his contract had bonuses that could have cost too much.
“You know how highly he’s thought by us. (But) we can’t afford that. He makes all of his incentives & things like that, we would be really wrecked”, Jones said via NBC Sports.
The #Cowboys could NOT AFFORD to keep 8x Pro Bowler Tyron Smith, Jerry Jones says.
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) March 24, 2024
Jones is worth over 12 BILLION DOLLARS. pic.twitter.com/bDqQWWdANS
Smith showcased formidable skills as a pass blocker in the 2023 season, with just 21 pressures and 3.0 sacks allowed. However, the financial implications proved too significant for the Cowboys. The veteran has now agreed to terms with the New York Jets.
Smith’s contract included lucrative incentives tied to his playing time, potentially elevating his earnings substantially beyond his base salary of $6.5 million. He could potentially earn up to $12 million if he met certain snap thresholds, and the Cowboys could face a tough financial dilemma.
Jones indeed expressed regret at losing Smith, likening the pain of his departure to that of former star DeMarcus Ware. However, with financial constraints looming large, the Cowboys were forced to let go of a player who has been a cornerstone of their offensive line for years.
Jerry Jones considers possibility of replacing Tyron Smith with Tyler Smith
Jerry Jones’ latest contemplation revolves around the future of the Cowboys’ offensive line, specifically the potential replacement of Tyron Smith with Tyler Smith.
Drafted 24th overall in 2022, Tyler Smith was earmarked as the successor to Tyron Smith. Tyler’s rookie season saw him thrust into action at left tackle due to Tyron’s injuries. However, it was in 2023 that Tyler truly came into his own by transitioning to left guard and earning his first Pro Bowl nod.
Now, with Tyron’s departure, the spotlight shifts to Tyler as a potential solution at left tackle. Jerry Jones has openly considered this possibility, deeming it a “viable thing.” He urged Tyler to keep the idea alive, and hinted at Tyler’s potential greatness in the left tackle position.
“I’d say that’s a good, viable thing. . . . Keep the idea there. Don’t dismiss that idea. Certainly, he’s potentially, I want to say, a great player at left tackle,” Jerry Jones said via Bleacher Report.
Cowboys owner Jerry Jones on the possibility LG Tyler Smith moves to left tackle to replace Tyron Smith: “I’d say that’s a good, viable thing. …Keep the idea there. Don’t dismiss that idea. …Certainly, he’s potentially — I want to say a great player at left tackle.”
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) March 24, 2024
Tyler’s performance last season speaks volumes about his capabilities. He recorded 942 snaps and possessed a commendable 72.9 Pro Football Focus grade. Stepping into Tyron’s shoes is no small feat, but Tyler’s prowess suggests he could rise to the challenge and help propel the Cowboys to greater success.
