Tyron Smith embarked on his NFL journey after being drafted by the Dallas Cowboys with the No. 9 overall pick in 2011. Since then, the offensive tackle has been a cornerstone of their offensive line. His prowess in both pass protection and run blocking has solidified his name as one of the league’s elite offensive tackles.
However, Smith may part ways with the Cowboys after more than a decade of tenure with the team. The New England Patriots are rumored to be eyeing the talented left tackle, potentially signaling a significant shift in his NFL journey.
Will the Patriots sign Tyron Smith?
According to Mark Daniels and Karen Guregian of MassLive, the Patriots express a keen interest in securing a starting-caliber tackle in free agency, with Tyron Smith high on their radar, per SI.com.
The veteran’s potential addition to the Patriots roster is viewed as a strategic move, providing a short-term solution at left tackle. The Patriots’ need for a left tackle is underscored by the likely departure of Trent Brown. The Pats’ star’s contract was voided, signaling an impending separation between player and team. In this context, pursuing Smith aligns with the team’s goal of fortifying its offensive line.
This potential move comes at a crucial time for the Pats, which is undergoing a transitional phase post-Bill Belichick’s coaching era. Jerod Mayo steps into the role of head coach, inheriting the challenge of reshaping the team.
With the No. 3 pick in the 2024 draft earmarked for a future quarterback, the Patriots can recognize the importance of providing solid protection for their incoming rookie signal-caller. If they sign Tyron Smith, it will offer the necessary veteran presence and skill set to safeguard the quarterback’s early career development.
The financial aspect of Smith’s potential contract introduces a degree of uncertainty. Spotrac’s market value tool suggests a one-year, $7,481,509 deal, but the intrinsic value of a seasoned All-Pro lineman like him may well warrant a higher figure.
Tyron Smith’s performance in 2023 NFL season
Tyron Smith recorded 847 snaps, allowing a mere one sack while committing just three penalties in the 2023 season. These impressive statistics earned him a remarkable 88.6 pass-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus, which is the highest among offensive linemen with 100 or more snaps in the NFL.
Injuries have plagued the footballer’s career, but he proved resilience by playing 13 games for the Cowboys in the 2023 season, his most since 2019. This durability, coupled with his exceptional skills, led to his earning second-team All-Pro honors.
Throughout his illustrious 13-year career, the Cowboys star has accumulated numerous accolades, including eight Pro Bowl selections and five All-Pro nods, two of which were first-team honors. He was also recognized as a member of the 2010’s All-Decade team.
