Dallas, we’ve got ourselves a situation hotter than Texas asphalt in August.
Just as Trey Smith inked a monster 4-year, $92 million deal with the Kansas City Chiefs — making him the highest-paid guard in the league — all eyes have turned to our big man in the trenches: Tyler Smith.
The Cowboys’ young stud lineman is reportedly set to eclipse Trey’s deal, and the front office is already feeling the heat. With Dallas fans still licking their wounds from past contract dramas with Dak and Zeke, this latest development is stirring up more anxiety than a third-and-long in the fourth quarter.
Smith, who’s still on his rookie contract with a cap hit under $5 million this year, has quietly become the second-ranked interior offensive lineman in the entire NFL, per ESPN — ahead of both Quenton Nelson and Trey Smith. At just 23, he’s being called the best guard in the league by insiders, and he’s not even in his prime yet.
Rumor has it Tyler’s camp is eyeing a deal north of $23.5 million annually, with more than $71 million guaranteed. That’s a big ol’ bite out of the salary cap, but waiting could cost even more. The franchise tag in 2027 would run close to $30 million — more than a top-tier left tackle.
But here’s the kicker: Tyler wants to stay in Dallas. The kid’s Texas through and through, and his loyalty isn’t just for show. This isn’t just a contract — it’s about building a legacy.
Sources say contract talks could get tricky. One of his agents is Todd France — yeah, that Todd France who gave Jerry Jones fits during Dak’s negotiation. But his other rep, Joe Panos, is on better terms with the Cowboys brass. That could be the silver lining.
What’s at stake isn’t just keeping an All-Pro guard. It’s sending a league-wide message: The Cowboys take care of their own. Locking Tyler down now would show fans and free agents alike that Dallas is serious about building a dynasty, not just chasing headlines.
With cap space ballooning and the TV money pouring in, signing Tyler now could look like the steal of the century in a few years. Waiting would be like buying brisket after the smokehouse sells out — a costly mistake.
Bottom line? If Jerry wants this team to stay competitive — to protect Dak, anchor the run game, and keep the locker room whole — he needs to get Tyler’s signature on paper before training camp dust even settles.
Cowboys Nation, are we about to witness another contract saga… or the smartest move of the offseason?