Key Takeaways:
– Tyron Smith, Dallas Cowboys’ longest-tenured player, is not retiring despite past injuries.
– Smith had a remarkable 2023 season, ranking as one of the top tackles in the NFL.
– The Cowboys might reconsider re-signing Smith due to his injury history and his approaching 34th season.
– Smith seeks to play his 14th season with the Dallas Cowboys
With 13 seasons under his belt, Dallas Cowboys’ long-time stalwart, Tyron Smith, has declared his intentions to remain in the game and not retire, as reported by Clarence Hill from the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Despite having a series of injuries, the nine-time Pro Bowler and five-time All-Pro tactician aims to contribute his skills to the ensuing NFL season.
Tyron Smith’s Remarkable Career
Smith, aged 33, recently finishing his 13th season with the Cowboys, is looking forward to playing next year. “I’ve spoken to Tyron’s agent. Tyron is not retiring. He will play here or somewhere else next year,” quoted reporter Hill as he informed 105.3 The Fan, an input seconded by Mike Fisher of Sports Illustrated. Calvin Watkins of The Dallas Morning News further consolidated Smith’s decision, stating that the most tenured player on the Cowboys roster isn’t looking to tie up his boots just yet. Smith, who will become an unrestricted free agent this spring, expresses an earnest desire to play his 14th season in Dallas, despite the uncertainties looming.
There’s no question that Tyron Smith’s career has been plagued by injuries, causing him to miss a cumulative total of 33 games between 2020 and 2022. Yet, the formidable player has proven that, when healthy, he remains one of the best tackles in the league. His contributions to the 2023 season manifest this well enough, having successfully started 13 games, a feat he hadn’t accomplished since the 2019 campaign.
Smith’s 2023 performance remains a testament to his capabilities. Citing Pro Football Focus, Smith’s 83.8 offensive grade and 88.6 pass-blocking grade for the 2023 season wears an impressive badge. Among all full-time tackles, his offensive grade ranked fourth, and his pass-blocking grade topped the rankings. His standout season rightfully garnered him a Second-team All-Pro selection, causing Head Coach Mike McCarthy to sing praises for the veteran offensive tackle at the end of the season press conference.
The Uncertainties Ahead for Smith
Several questions hover over the horizon as Tyron Smith looks to extend his contract with the Cowboys. Given Smith’s advancing age and a history dotted with injuries, there is a valid concern if the Cowboys are going to re-sign him. If Smith agrees to a one-year deal, Dallas should consider re-signing him. After all, a fully-fit Smith is a valuable asset, ranking among the elite tackles in the league.
Nevertheless, should Smith’s market value exceed expectations, the Cowboys may have to reconsider their decision to sign an aging player plagued with injuries to a long-term contract. As per Spotrac, Smith’s market value for a single year could stand around $7.4 million. This deal paints a stark contrast to the $13.5 million he earned in the previous season, but not far removed from the $7.3 million he pocketed this past season.
There is no denying that Smith’s recurrent injuries add to the worry. Yet it merits mention that 35-year-old San Francisco 49er’s tackle Trent Williams, a four-time All-Pro and 11-time Pro Bowl selection, holds the record as the highest-paid left tackle. Having a salary base at $20.5 million and a cap hit of $31.5 million, despite being older than Smith, might encourage Smith to seek a lucrative deal. However, as the free agency period approaches, it remains to be seen what kind of deal the 33-year-old signs. What remains clear, though, is that the long-time Cowboys’ tackle is keen on sticking around for another NFL season.
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