Tyron Smith, a standout offensive tackle for the Dallas Cowboys, has struggled with frequent injuries in recent years, missing a total of 23 games over the past three seasons. Despite his undeniable talent and impact on the field, Smith’s availability has been inconsistent due to knee, back, neck, and hamstring issues, preventing him from completing a full season since 2015. While he remains a key asset for the Cowboys when healthy, his injury history raises concerns about his durability and long-term role with the team.
That led to speculations that he finally might be going to hang up his cleats. But apparently, that is not the case.
Tyron Smith to retire?
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
#77 isn’t ready to hang up his cleats just yet, as the NFL star heads towards free agency with hopes of staying on with the Cowboys. The 33-year-old left tackle is gearing up for the possibility of hitting the open market next month, but he’s not ruling out the chance of extending his time with his current team.
Veteran #Cowboys LT Tyron Smith doesn’t plan on retiring and wants to remain with the team next season, per @calvinwatkins pic.twitter.com/vw9picrXmC
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) February 20, 2024
According to a report from Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News, Smith is adamant that he’s not ready to retire and is keeping his fingers crossed for a last-minute change of plans from the Cowboys. And with recent comments from coach Mike McCarthy suggesting a potential deal could be on the table if Smith can stay healthy during the offseason, there’s still hope for the veteran lineman.
McCarthy recently praised Smith’s performance, saying, “This is clearly his best season that I have experienced with him since 2020.” With no offseason surgeries looming for Smith, McCarthy emphasized ongoing discussions about the lineman’s future in Dallas. It seems Smith is casting his line for a new deal to keep him in the Cowboys’ colors for the 2024 season.
Smith’s future hangs in the balance
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
The Cowboys appear to have a plan in motion for Tyron Smith’s potential departure. With Tyler Smith, drafted in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, stepping up on the offensive line in recent seasons, there’s a solid option to fill the left tackle spot when Tyron’s contract expires. Tyler has already gained valuable experience, starting nearly every game over the past two seasons, positioning him as a potential successor to Tyron.
Impending free agent OT Tyron Smith will play in 2024 and hopes to return to the #Cowboys (@calvinwatkins).
Health is a major concern for Smith as he’s played in just 82 of the last 131 games since 2015, the last time he played a full season.
Last season Smith started 13 games. pic.twitter.com/zT9cpqzKAI
— uSTADIUM (@uSTADIUM) February 20, 2024
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Tyron Smith, who signed a significant eight-year extension in 2016, is now facing uncertainty about his future with the Cowboys as he approaches free agency. While details about contract negotiations remain murky, Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy expressed satisfaction with Smith’s performance last season. He noted that it was Tyron’s best season in recent memory and highlighted his improved health heading into the offseason. However, whether this translates into a new contract for Tyron remains to be seen.
Watch This Story: After Pat McAfee’a Light-Hearted Mockery, Boston College Football Punter’s Weird LA Bowl Qualification Celebration Goes Viral