The Dallas Cowboys have solidified their commitment to left guard Tyler Smith by signing him to a four-year contract extension worth $96 million, including an impressive $81.2 million guaranteed. This contract reflects the organization’s deep belief in Smith. At just 24 years of age, he’s the focal point of an NFL revolution in his fourth season.
Tyler Smith—a first round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. He was brought in to be the long-term solution once the veteran Tyron Smith finally calls it a day. After spending 2022 primarily at left tackle, he slid to a full-time guard spot this fall. This shift outside underscores his athletic range, foot speed, and technicianship on the gridiron. His performance this season was enough to get him selected to the Pro Bowl and have a second-team All-Pro designation. Smith’s remarkable accomplishments on the field have led to three consecutive Pro Bowl invitations in his first three NFL seasons. He joins special company with celebrated players Zack Martin, Travis Frederick, and Hall of Famer Larry Allen as the third Cowboys offensive lineman to accomplish this honor.
Second, Tyler Smith has emerged as a tone-setter along the offensive line. This decision follows the recent retirements of both Zack Martin and Tyron Smith. Yet Ryan seems to understand the significance of his position. He already knows the legacy he has to maintain, particularly when you consider the 17 Pro Bowl selections by his predecessors.
As Tyler Smith reflects on his journey, he emphasizes the importance of sharing knowledge with his current linemates, including Tyler Booker, Tyler Guyton, and Cooper Beebe. It is his aim to impart these lessons that he’s picked up from the veterans such as Tyron Smith and Jason Peters.
“Anything they ask me, I try to pull from the knowledge that was given to me and give it to them. It’s not a secret. I think everybody should push each other to be as good as we can be in our room because that’s only going to make all of us better,” – Tyler Smith
Smith’s growth has not escaped the attention of his teammates. Dak Prescott praised him, stating, “That’s a guy that is just the epitome of what an offensive lineman is supposed to be like. Coming in young, learn from some of those guys, play next to Tyron, learning a little bit from Zack, but he’s a special player.”
Zack Martin had said something similar before about Smith’s ceiling. Smith’s early, dominant outings in particular drew some praise from him. He understood that Smith would be the most powerful man on Capitol Hill for a long time.
“He was very dominant, and it was like, ‘OK, this guy’s going to be really good for a long time,’” – Zack Martin
For all his accomplishments so far, Tyler Smith is still humble and dedicated to the process of becoming a better player. He acknowledges that while signing the extension is a milestone in his career, it is merely a steppingstone toward achieving greater goals.
“I know this is a big steppingstone, but ultimately, I still have a lot more work to do,” – Tyler Smith
The Cowboys are convinced that Smith’s “uncommon traits” warrants their investment. His relentless drive and commitment to understanding the fundamentals of the game made an impression on coaches and players throughout the season. Jason Peters once remarked that Smith was “oozing” off the snap—indicating an area for improvement in speed, which only highlights Smith’s commitment to growth.
Remember that Tyler Smith just signed a new deal that takes him through 2030. This contract ensures that the Cowboys can rely on his talents for at least a decade. While his youth and inexperience might suggest otherwise, the opposite is true. He’s a key player. He is definitely poised to lead a new era of the team’s offensive line.
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