Should the Cowboys prioritize retaining Tyron Smith this offseason?
of dallas cowboys There are 16 players who will officially become free agents on March 13th. Nearly half of the 16 players are big contributors in 2023, and the Cowboys will have to make some difficult decisions over the next month and a half.
Today we continue our free agent profile series by taking a look at Dallas' 16 impending free agents. The next profile looks at Tyron Smith, Dallas' longest-tenured left tackle.
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2023 Regular Season Statistics: 13 GS, 21 pressures allowed, 3.0 sacks allowed, 97.9 pass blocking efficiency, 3 penalties, 89.3 pass blocking grade, 12 AV *Named Second Team All-Pro
Annual review: Tyron Smith entered the 2023 regular season more doubtful than ever in his 13-year NFL career. The standout left tackle was plagued by major injuries every year from 2020 to 2022, playing just 17 regular season games during that span.
Through it all, one thing became clear. When Smith was able to get on the field, he was still able to perform like one of the best tacklers in football. The struggle wasn't with his performance, but finding a way to keep him healthy throughout the season.
With a new practice plan in place, Smith has stayed relatively healthy this season, playing in 13 games, his most since 2019. While on the field, Smith had a commanding presence. The former first-round pick posted a pass-blocking efficiency rating of 97.9 and allowed just three sacks.
For the first time since 2016 and the fifth time in his career, Smith was named All-Pro after an outstanding season. The 33-year-old tackle proved his doubters wrong in 2023, proving in every way that he is still capable of playing at a very high level.
free agent prospects: according to spot rackSmith is expected to receive a one-year, $7.5 million contract on the open market. pro football focus is slightly higher than Smith, projecting him to get a one-year contract worth $10 million. All in all, it seems certain that his next contract will be in the $7 million to $10 million range.
If Smith does not decide to retire, many teams will likely covet him as a free agent. At this point in his career, Smith will likely prioritize his chance to win a Super Bowl over his long-term contract. Teams like the Cincinnati Bengals, Detroit Lions, and Kansas City Chiefs have plenty of cap space and could potentially have a better chance of winning a Super Bowl than if Smith remained in Dallas.
All in all, every team is always looking for good tackling play. Smith is a very attractive target for many organizations because he can provide that to teams and doesn't require a long-term commitment.
Cowboys verdict: The Cowboys have a lot of holes to fill on their roster this offseason, but the decision on Smith's part is pretty simple. If Smith wants to continue playing, he needs to do whatever it takes to reach an extension before he hits free agency.
While the Cowboys may not have as good a chance of making it to the Super Bowl as the Bengals, Lions or Chiefs, Smith's familiarity and comfort in Dallas may give them the advantage they need to keep him. .
prediction: Tyron Smith signs a one-year, $6 million contract (worth up to $10 million in incentives) with the Dallas Cowboys..
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