The Dallas Cowboys are making waves in the NFL with their latest contract moves, and All-Pro offensive lineman Tyler Smith is reportedly at the center of their next big decision. According to Clarence Hill of All City DLLS, the Cowboys have initiated contract extension talks with the two-time Pro Bowl guard, signaling a potential shift in the team’s typically cautious approach to negotiations. With the NFL season opener against the Philadelphia Eagles looming on Thursday, September 4, 2025, at Lincoln Financial Field, the Cowboys are moving swiftly to secure Smith’s future with the team.
A New Era of Proactive Negotiations
Historically, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has been known for dragging out contract negotiations, often waiting until the last moment to finalize deals with key players. However, the ongoing discussions with Tyler Smith suggest a departure from this trend. As RJ Ochoa of Blogging the Boys notes, “If the Dallas Cowboys were to get a contract extension done with Tyler Smith, then it would be the first time they took care of a first-round pick in their first year of eligibility since Ezekiel Elliott” in 2019. This move would mark a significant change in strategy, one that Cowboys Nation is eager to embrace.
Smith, a standout guard and second-team All-Pro, has proven himself as a cornerstone of Dallas’ offensive line. His versatility, strength, and reliability have made him a critical asset in protecting quarterback Dak Prescott and powering the Cowboys’ running game. Locking him up with a long-term deal would solidify the team’s offensive front for years to come, providing stability as they aim to compete in a highly competitive NFC East.
Following the DaRon Bland Blueprint
The Cowboys’ urgency to extend Smith comes on the heels of their blockbuster deal with All-Pro cornerback DaRon Bland. Just days after trading superstar pass rusher Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers, Dallas redirected the financial flexibility to sign Bland to a four-year, $92 million contract extension, including $50 million guaranteed. The swift move underscored the team’s commitment to retaining homegrown talent, and it appears they are applying the same logic to Smith.
While no deal has been finalized with Smith, the Cowboys are reportedly optimistic about reaching an agreement, potentially before their season opener. However, sources indicate that negotiations could extend into the regular season, as both sides work to find common ground. Given Smith’s importance to the team and his status as one of the league’s premier offensive linemen, a lucrative extension seems inevitable.
Why Tyler Smith Matters
Since being drafted in the first round in 2022, Tyler Smith has quickly established himself as one of the NFL’s top young offensive linemen. His ability to play both guard and tackle has given the Cowboys flexibility in managing their line, while his physicality and technique have earned him accolades, including two Pro Bowl selections and a second-team All-Pro nod. Whether he’s pancaking defenders in the run game or holding his own against elite pass rushers, Smith’s impact is undeniable.
His performance during practice at the Ford Center at The Star in Frisco, Texas, and in games, such as the Cowboys’ matchup against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi’s Stadium, has only solidified his value. As the Cowboys prepare to face the Eagles in a primetime showdown, Smith’s presence on the offensive line will be crucial in countering Philadelphia’s formidable defensive front.
A Statement for the Future
Securing a contract extension for Tyler Smith would send a clear message to Cowboys fans and the NFL alike: Dallas is committed to building around its young, elite talent. With the team facing a pivotal 2025 season, locking up Smith would provide a foundation for sustained success. The Cowboys’ recent willingness to act decisively—evidenced by the Bland extension—suggests that Jones and the front office are ready to break from tradition and prioritize their core players.
As the Cowboys gear up for their season opener against the Eagles, set for 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC and streaming on Peacock, all eyes will be on Tyler Smith and the offensive line. Whether a deal is finalized before kickoff or later in the season, one thing is clear: Jerry Jones is making bold moves to shape the Cowboys’ future, and Tyler Smith is a cornerstone of that vision.