Veteran players in the NFL are often looked for to play for a long time. Tyron Smith stands out because he has been loyal to the Dallas Cowboys since they picked him in the 2011 draft. Smith is set to enter the summer as an unrestricted free agent for the first time in his NFL career as the player with the longest tenure on the Cowboys roster.
While his teammate Tony Pollard received vocal support from Micah Parsons for another opportunity in Dallas, Smith himself has been outspoken about his desire to continue his tenure with the Cowboys.
Tyron Smith intends to stay at Cowboys next season
According to Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News, Tyron Smith has expressed his desire to continue playing in 2024 and hopes to do so while remaining with the Cowboys.
“Tyron Smith, the longest-tenured player on the Cowboys, wants to play another season with the team,” Watkins reported.
While the upcoming NFL draft presents an opportunity for the Cowboys to explore talent at the tackle position, selecting a rookie may not provide the same level of experience and stability as retaining their 33-year-old player. Given his long standing tenure with the team, Smith’s interest in returning to Dallas aligns with his loyalty to the organization where he has spent his entire career.
Yet, the Cowboys must also take into account Smith’s injury history as they evaluate their decision. Despite his undeniable talent, Smith has been plagued by injuries over the years, affecting his availability. During the past three seasons, Smith has missed a total of 23 games because of various injuries.
How did Tyron Smith do in the NFL 2023-24 season?
Tyron Smith’s impressive performance in the 2023 regular season is evident from his statistics, which highlight his prowess on the field. With 13 games started, he allowed only 21 pressures and 3.0 sacks, maintaining a commendable pass blocking efficiency of 97.9. Additionally, he accrued just 3 penalties and earned a pass blocking grade of 89.3.
Meanwhile, Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy, who has already secured his job with the team, remains steadfast in his optimism regarding the veteran’s abilities. Reflecting on Smith’s performance throughout the season, McCarthy shared his viewpoints on the marked improvements observed since 2020.
“I think the biggest thing for Tyron is, talking about the path of the season and the training plan that was in place for him, this is clearly his best season that I have experienced with him since 2020,” McCarthy said.
However, despite Smith’s impressive performance, concerns linger about his physical condition following the conclusion of the 2023 season. It became apparent that Smith may be nearing the twilight of his illustrious career, at least from a physical standpoint. During the 2023 season alone, he missed a total of four games due to knee, back, and neck issues, per Yahoo Sports.
What’s your opinion regarding the Pro Bowler’s future in Dallas?
