Cowboys Making Final $21M Contract Move on 'Future Great'

This offseason's retirements of legendary Dallas Cowboys linemen Zack Martin and Tyron Smith officially signal a passing of the torch to the next generation along the offensive line.

That next generation is led by guard Tyler Smith. It is now officially his turn to lead the way with his immediate future solidified.

The Cowboys are confirming the plan to pick up Smith’s fifth-year option to keep him in Dallas through the 2026 season at a projected price tag of $21.27 million.

A team source tells CowboysCountry.com’s Mike Fisher that it’s “one of our easiest (decisions) ever.”

For players drafted in 2022 like Smith, teams across the league have until May 1 to decide on picking up a player's fifth-year option. Smith, coming off back-to-back Pro Bowl appearances and a Second Team All-Pro selection, has done plenty to warrant an extra year.

Smith will play the 2025 season, his fourth in the NFL, at a $2.5 million base salary, but will receive a fully-guaranteed sum in 2026. Once exercised, however, the fifth-year option does not stop teams from potentially agreeing on a more long-term extension - which in Dallas' case with Smith, should be the priority sometime next season.

Since being the Cowboys' first-round pick in 2022, Smith has seen action at tackle and guard, but settled into the left guard position, opposite of Zack Martin for the last few seasons. He has been extremely durable in the process, making 47 total starts.

At Tyron Smith's ceremonial press conference last week, the future Ring of Honor inductee gave Cowboys fans his thoughts on the state of the O-line moving forward. He emphasized his confidence in the returning players knowing what is required to be successful and that they are already working on putting in the work to get there.

Tyron pointed out Tyler in particular, saying he has what it takes to become the next great lineman in this franchise's rich history.

"I feel like Tyler came in and set the standard that he wants to be great when he first got here and he has just increased in potential every year...his work ethic and what he puts into this game... he has potential to be one of the greats and I just can't wait to see that show."

Tyler Smith has already proven he is a foundational piece to the future of the Dallas Cowboys.

Owner Jerry Jones has recognized that, and is initiating the first steps in making sure Smith turns into the all-time great so many believe he can be.