The Dallas Cowboys found an absolute gem in the 1st round of the 2022 NFL Draft, selecting interior offensive lineman Tyler Smith 24th overall. Since then, Smith has developed into a reliable left guard and a versatile offensive lineman who can play multiple positions, with 30 regular-season starts at left guard and 17 at left tackle. His accolades include two Pro Bowl selections in 2023 and 2024.
Smith had a great third season, earning him his second Pro Bowl selection. He gave up 22 pressures, 16 hurries, four quarterback hits, and two sacks allowed while posting a 76.0 pass-blocking, a 73.8 run-blocking, and a 75.0 overall PFF grade in 16 games. He started 15 games at LG and one at LT.
The Dallas Cowboys must decide on his contract very shortly
The Cowboys have until Thursday, May 1, to either exercise or decline Tyler Smith’s fully guaranteed 5th-year option for the 2026 season. Because he made only one of his two Pro Bowls on the original ballot, Smith’s option is categorized under Tier 3. Tier 3 is worth $21.271 million, the equivalent of the transition tag tender for an offensive lineman. Exercising him would make him one of the highest-paid interior offensive linemen in the NFL.
Also Read: 5th-Year Option Predictions for the 2022 NFL Draft Class: Picks 17-24
The Dallas Cowboys are set to make a $21 million call on elite blocker
According to Calvin Watkins of The Dallas Morning News, the Cowboys plan to exercise Tyler Smith’s 5th-year option. As a result, he will make $21.271 million for the 2026 season. The front office could secure a long-term contract extension for Smith this offseason.
Cowboys plan on picking up 5th year option for Tyler Smith. No surprise here. https://t.co/26GUwBR7s1
— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) April 21, 2025
