The Dallas Cowboys secured the NFC East in the 2023 season and enjoyed their third back-to-back 12-5 campaign. Tyron Smith has played the role of the protagonist on their offensive line since being selected with the ninth overall pick in 2011.
Smith had the longest tenure on the Cowboys roster. He was set to hit free agency for the first time in his career. It was expected that the team would retain him for the future. However, fate had a separate plan for him, as the offensive tackle had parted ways with the Cowboys.
Jets to sign Tyron Smith
The New York Jets have made a significant move to bolster their offensive line by signing Tyron Smith. Financial details remain undisclosed, but reports suggest his potential to earn up to $20 million with incentives.
The offensive star decided to join the Jets after expressing his desire to stay with the Cowboys for the 2024 season. He acknowledged his fondness for the Cowboys but recognized the business aspect of the NFL in an interview with CBS Sports following the deal.
“I would’ve love to have stayed home in Dallas, but as we all know it’s a business the way it works. I still feel like the Jets have an opportunity to win it, and anything I can do for the team to help them out, I’m going to do me best to do it”, Smith said.
The veteran’s departure from the Cowboys creates an opportunity to explore talent at the tackle position, possibly through the upcoming NFL draft. His arrival with the Jets marks a huge step in addressing the team’s longstanding issues with offensive line performance. Last season, the Jets allowed 64 sacks, perfectly highlighting the urgent need for improved protection, especially considering quarterback Aaron Rodgers’ age and recent injury.
Gang Green have made significant strides in fortifying their lineup in just five days, with Tyron Smith joining fellow new starters John Simpson and Morgan Moses. Smith’s imposing presence and proven skill set make him a valuable addition to the Jets’ offensive line. His expected role at left tackle, alongside Simpson, Joe Tippmann, Alijah Vera-Tucker, and Moses, forms a formidable front that aims to provide better protection and support for the team’s offence.
Tyron Smith 2023 NFL season in numbers
Tyron Smith once again proved his exceptional pass-blocking abilities in the 2023 season by allowing a mere 21 pressures and conceding only 3.0 sacks. Such statistics solidify his position as the highest-graded pass-blocking tackle of the year, boasting an impressive 88.6 pass-blocking grade, according to Pro Football Focus and NFL Research. His overall offensive grade of 84.6 ranked fifth among all tackles.
The seasoned veteran, with eight Pro Bowl appearances and multiple All-Pro honors to his name, continued to elevate his game year after year. Despite falling short of first-team All-Pro recognition in the past season, his performance was still noteworthy enough to secure a spot on the second team.
However, concerns linger regarding his durability. He has not completed a full season since 2015 and has endured a string of injuries, resulting in 37 missed games over the past four years. Nevertheless, pundits and analysts unanimously recognize Smith as the premier offensive lineman in free agency. Ranked 21st overall in The Athletic’s free agency rankings, his physical dominance, explosive punch, and adeptness at disrupting defenders’ angles continue to earn him accolades and admiration across the league.
