The Dallas Cowboys appear to be moving on from Tyron Smith after 13 seasons.
According to NFL Network, the 33-year-old is “unlikely” to return to his longtime team once he becomes a free agent on March 13. Ian Rapoport. Smith is said to be “highly desired” by teams in the market for an offensive tackle.
Smith is the Cowboys' longest-tenured player. The news that the lineman may have parted ways with the team comes after it was said that he was not considering retirement in February. According to the Dallas Morning News, he sought a deal to stay in Dallas.
Dallas is interested in keeping Smith. Michael Gelken of the Dallas Morning News reported Saturday. The two sides reportedly reached an impasse during the ongoing NFL scouting combine because they failed to understand the “financial framework” for a deal. The team has not ruled out a reunion, but negotiations would require a major positive change, Kelken added.
He arrived in Dallas in 2011 when he was drafted No. 9 out of USC. He collected many accolades, including two first-team All-Pro selections and eight Pro Bowl nods. Smith was named to the NFL's 2010s All-Decade team, which was led by Tom Brady and Aaron Donald.
Smith and the Cowboys inked an eight-year extension worth nearly $100 million in 2016, and he hasn't had a full campaign since 2015. He tore his hamstring before the 2022 season and missed all but four games. He was plagued by various knee, back and neck issues last season.
The end of the Tyron Smith era will mark the rise of Tyler Smith, who was selected in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Over the past two seasons, the 22-year-old has started the offense in all but three games. Once Tyron Smith's contract expires, Tyler Smith could move to left tackle.
