The Dallas Cowboys are making waves in the NFL, not just on the field but in the front office, as they push to secure a blockbuster extension for left guard Tyler Smith. With the regular season looming, the team is wasting no time in locking down one of their brightest stars, potentially setting a new benchmark for interior offensive linemen salaries that could surpass the current high of $23.5M per year.
According to Clarence Hill Jr. of All City DLLS, Dallas is deep in negotiations to finalize a long-term deal for Smith, and whispers around the league suggest it could be a record-breaker among guards. This move comes on the heels of the Cowboys’ recent extensions for cornerback DaRon Bland, wide receiver CeeDee Lamb, and quarterback Dak Prescott—deals that saw Dallas react to a market inflated by earlier offseason contracts. Learning from past missteps, particularly the departure of star pass rusher Micah Parsons due to sluggish negotiations, the Cowboys are determined to set the market rather than chase it.
The Cowboys exercised Smith’s fifth-year option before the draft, securing him through the 2026 season. However, the option’s salary structure, which lumps interior linemen and tackles together, undervalues Smith’s contributions. Rather than letting him play out the option, Dallas appears committed to finalizing an extension sooner, signaling their dedication to building around their young cornerstone.
What makes Smith’s potential deal so significant? For starters, it could redefine the market for guards. Currently, the highest-paid guard in the NFL is Kansas City’s Trey Smith, earning $23.5M annually, but he ranks below eight tackles, led by Chargers’ Rashawn Slater at $28.5M and Detroit’s Penei Sewell at $28M. A record-setting deal for Tyler Smith would elevate the value of elite guards, reflecting his unique skill set and accomplishments.
At just 24 years old, Tyler Smith has already carved out an impressive resume. In only three seasons, he’s earned two Pro Bowl nods and a second-team All-Pro selection, accolades tied to his stellar play at guard over the past two years. But Smith’s value extends beyond his natural position. As a rookie, he stepped in for an injured Tyron Smith and started all but one game at left tackle, protecting Dak Prescott’s blindside with remarkable poise.
Smith’s versatility is a cornerstone of his case. Pro Football Focus (subscription required) graded him as the 25th-best tackle out of 81 in his rookie year, an impressive feat for a player thrust into an unfamiliar role. When he returned to guard in his second season, he ranked 11th out of 79, and last year, he placed 15th out of 77 guards. While his relative rankings vary, his overall grades have consistently improved, showcasing his growth and adaptability. This rare ability to excel at both guard and tackle makes Smith a linchpin for Dallas’ offensive line.
The Cowboys’ urgency to extend Smith isn’t just about rewarding talent—it’s a strategic play to get ahead of a rising market. With top-tier teams dominating by winning in the trenches, securing a player of Smith’s caliber before other guards push the salary ceiling higher is a savvy move. His youth, accolades, and positional flexibility make him a prime candidate to command a deal that could reset expectations for interior linemen.
Smith’s own words, “everything will happen in due time,” now seem prophetic as Dallas moves swiftly to lock him down. By acting now, the Cowboys avoid the risk of Smith hitting the open market, where his value could skyrocket, or waiting for another team to redefine the guard market.
As the NFL evolves, the importance of a dominant offensive line cannot be overstated. Tyler Smith, with his blend of youth, talent, and versatility, is poised to be a cornerstone for Dallas for years to come. A record-setting extension would not only reward his contributions but also signal the Cowboys’ commitment to building a championship-caliber roster from the ground up.