The Dallas Cowboys are no strangers to making bold moves, and they’re gearing up for another blockbuster deal that’s sending shockwaves through the NFL. While much of the spotlight has been on star pass rusher Micah Parsons and his looming contract extension, another key player is poised to reset the market at his position: offensive lineman Tyler Smith. According to projections from SB Nation’s Blogging the Boys, the Cowboys are preparing to offer Smith a jaw-dropping four-year, $85 million contract extension with $53 million guaranteed, potentially making him the highest-paid guard in the NFL.
A Rising Star Ready to Redefine the Guard Market
At just 24 years old, Tyler Smith has already established himself as one of the league’s premier offensive linemen. Drafted 24th overall in the 2022 NFL Draft out of Tulsa, the 6-foot-6, 332-pound lineman has shown remarkable versatility and dominance. Starting all 17 games as a rookie—16 at left tackle and one at left guard—Smith earned a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team. In 2023, he transitioned to left guard full-time, starting 14 games and earning his first Pro Bowl nod along with second-team All-Pro honors. His 2024 season was equally impressive, landing him another Pro Bowl selection and cementing his status as one of only three NFL guards to achieve this honor before age 24.
Smith’s projected $85 million deal, with an average annual value of $21.25 million, would surpass the current market for guards, edging out Landon Dickerson’s contract and rivaling Quenton Nelson’s four-year, $80 million extension with the Indianapolis Colts. With $53 million in guarantees, Smith’s contract is expected to fall between Dickerson’s $50 million and Nelson’s $60 million in guaranteed money. As Rohan Chakravarthi of Blogging the Boys noted, the Cowboys’ willingness to structure deals with larger signing bonuses could keep Smith’s cap hit manageable, especially with two years left on his rookie deal plus the four-year extension.
Why Tyler Smith’s Deal Is a Game-Changer
Smith’s rapid ascent to elite status is no surprise to those who’ve watched him dominate. His versatility—playing over 1,000 snaps at left tackle as a rookie and over 940 snaps at left guard in each of the past two seasons—sets him apart. His pass-blocking prowess is equally impressive, allowing just 17 pressures in 608 pass block snaps in 2023 and 22 pressures in 682 snaps in 2024, per PFF. Widely regarded as the Cowboys’ best offensive lineman, Smith’s combination of size, skill, and durability makes him a cornerstone for Dallas’ future.
With franchise legends Tyron Smith and Zack Martin retiring, the Cowboys are looking to Smith to anchor their offensive line. His fifth-year option, exercised by the team, ensures he’ll earn $23.4 million in 2025, but Dallas is wasting no time in securing his long-term future. As Smith himself said on June 2, via the team’s official website, “It’s extremely important that we all rise to the occasion. … I think it’s gonna start and end with us when it comes to the success of this football team.” His leadership will be critical in a competitive NFC East division known for its formidable offensive and defensive lines.
The Cowboys’ Big Bet on the Future
While Micah Parsons’ contract talks continue to grab headlines, locking up Tyler Smith is just as critical for Dallas. Owner Jerry Jones and the front office are known for investing heavily in their stars, and Smith’s projected deal signals their commitment to building around a dominant offensive line. With the ability to spread the cap hit over six years, the Cowboys are positioning themselves to maintain flexibility while rewarding a player who’s proven his worth on and off the field.
The NFL is buzzing about Tyler Smith’s meteoric rise and the massive contract that’s likely coming his way. As the Cowboys prepare to make him the highest-paid guard in the league, one thing is clear: Dallas is banking on Smith to lead their offensive line into a new era of dominance.