After trading All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers, the Dallas Cowboys had to at least show their fans that they are committed to building a winning product. While it remains to be seen how everything will work out, the organization is certainly being proactive. Following the decision to lock up cornerback DaRon Bland, the Cowboys have now agreed to a four-year, $96 million extension with left guard Tyler Smith, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

The 2023 Second-Team All-Pro and two-time Pro Bowler is now the highest-paid player at his position and will earn $81.2 million guaranteed. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones embraces the constant coverage his franchise receives — many would say he encourages it — and this latest move is sure to get everyone talking. Considering how reliable the 2022 first-round draft pick has been, and the uncertainty surrounding Dallas’ tackles, one can understand the desire to get a deal done quickly.

Still, plenty of fans will inevitably condemn Jones for deciding to take action after thing fell apart with Parsons, and after he cost himself and the team millions by waiting so long to sign quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb to new contracts. Dallas cannot go back in time, though. All ownership can do moving forward is position the roster for a promising future. A 24-year-old, difference-making offensive lineman should fit any blueprint.

Cowboys believe in Tyler Smith

Smith has posted a 72-plus run-blocking grade in three different seasons, per Pro Football Focus, and he made great strides in pass-blocking during the 2024-25 campaign. He is a pillar of consistency on a unit that presently faces plenty of questions, making him incredibly valuable. The Cowboys must run the ball effectively if they are going to achieve genuine success, and No. 73 will play a big role in potentially making that happen.

Many fans are understandably upset about losing a generational talent like Micah Parsons, and that will probably not change anytime soon, but investing a significant amount of money in another young, impactful player may give them something to celebrate.