The Dallas Cowboys have been striking gold in the NFL Draft in recent years, building a roster brimming with talent that’s now demanding hefty paydays. After locking in quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb with massive extensions in 2024, the Cowboys didn’t stop there. They secured defensive tackle Osa Odighizuwa with a four-year, $80 million deal this offseason and are now setting their sights on edge rusher Micah Parsons, whose next contract could command a jaw-dropping $40 million per year. But the spending spree is far from over for Jerry Jones and the Cowboys’ front office, as two more stars are poised to test the team’s checkbook: cornerback DaRon Bland and guard Tyler Smith.
Tyler Smith, a first-round pick out of Tulsa in 2022, has rapidly emerged as one of the NFL’s premier interior linemen. His blend of power, agility, and football IQ has solidified the Cowboys’ offensive line, making him a cornerstone for the team’s future. With Spotrac projecting a four-year, $76 million extension—averaging $19.1 million per season—Smith’s value is undeniable. However, that figure might be a bargain for a player of his caliber. The Cowboys already picked up Smith’s fifth-year option, ensuring he’ll earn $21.2 million in 2026. His camp is unlikely to settle for anything less than that annual average, and they’d be justified in holding firm.
The Cowboys’ front office, known for playing the long game in contract negotiations, may not rush to ink Smith early. Their track record suggests they’ll let talks drag out, potentially driving up the price tag. By the time pen meets paper, that $76 million projection could look like pocket change for a player who’s already proving he’s worth every penny. With DaRon Bland also hitting free agency this offseason, Dallas faces critical decisions to keep their homegrown talent intact.
For Jerry Jones, the price of success keeps climbing, but securing stars like Tyler Smith is non-negotiable if the Cowboys want to stay in the Super Bowl conversation. The question isn’t whether they’ll pay—it’s how much more they’ll need to shell out to keep their top star in Dallas.