Cowboys Projected to Ink Offensive Standout to $85 Million Extension

Micah Parsons isn’t the only key member of the Dallas Cowboys who is looking to sign a lucrative new deal.

Offensive lineman Tyler Smith is entering Year 4, and he’s likely going to reset the guard market with his next contract.

“Smith should be in line for a market-setting deal, so I’d expect the average annual value to slightly beat Landon Dickerson’s,” Rohan Chakravarthi of SB Nation’s Blogging the Boys wrote on June 24.

“As for the guarantees, I think the sweet spot will be between Dickerson’s $50 million and Quenton Nelson’s $60 million on his four-year, $80 million extension with the Indianapolis Colts. Of course, there are opportunities for more guarantees with the guarantee structure, but I’d think Smith would earn somewhere in that range for the total guarantees.”

More on Dallas Cowboys OL Tyler Smith’s Projected Contract

GettyCowboys OL Tyler Smith’s latest contract projection would make him the highest-paid guard in the NFL.

 

Chakravarthi has Smith projected to sign a four-year contract extension worth $85 million with $53 million of that guaranteed.

“The Cowboys aren’t afraid to dole out larger signing bonuses, although I’m not sure that one for Smith would break the market over Nelson’s $31 million bonus,” Chakravarthi added. “The good news for Dallas is that they can spread the cap hit over six possible years, given that Smith would have the two years on his rookie deal remaining, plus the four extension years on his overall deal.”

The 6-foot-6, 332-pound Smith was drafted in the first round (24th overall) by the Cowboys in 2022 after a standout career at Tulsa. He started all 17 games as a rookie (16 at left tackle and one at left guard), with his performance earning him a spot on the PFWA All‑Rookie Team.

In his second season, he moved to left guard full‑time and continued to impress, starting 14 games. He got his first Pro Bowl nod that year and also earned second-team All‑Pro honors. In 2024, he went to another Pro Bowl, becoming one of only three NFL guards to make two Pro Bowls before turning 24.

His versatility and durability are among his most admirable traits. He played 1,022 snaps at LT as a rookie, and over 940 snaps at LG in each of the past two seasons (numbers via PFF). Widely regarded as the Cowboys’ best O-lineman and one of the best guards in the league, Smith will very likely be paid as such.

The Cowboys showed their belief in Smith by exercising his fifth‑year option, ensuring he makes $23.4  million in 2025. That’ll lock him down for at least another year and give them time to work out a new deal.

Smith Will Be Expected to Show Leadership in 2025 & Beyond

Heading into 2025, with the retirements of franchise stalwarts Tyron Smith and Zack Martin, Smith has pretty much been anointed the heir apparent. As a foundational piece on the interior, it’ll be up to him to lead by example.

“It’s extremely important that we all rise to the occasion,” Smith said on June 2 about this upcoming season, via the team’s official website. “As everybody can see, this is an extremely competitive division with great offensive and defensive lines. We understand that. … I think it’s gonna start and end with us when it comes to the success of this football team.”

Smith allowed just 17 total pressures in 608 pass block snaps in 2023 and 22 pressures in 682 pass block snaps last year. Even with Parsons also needing a new deal, Dallas is going to want to secure SMith’s services for a while.

You can bet owner Jerry Jones and company are already working on a new deal.