Was letting this offensive lineman walk in free agency Cowboys' biggest mistake of 2024?

Six weeks into the 2024 season is as good a time as any to look back at the decisions made over the offseason and apply a degree of retrospect to the situation. The Cowboys weren’t short on controversial decisions this past spring, allowing multiple internal free agents to depart greener pastures outside of Dallas.

Often billed as an opportunity to upgrade, the Cowboys brain trust attempted to convince legions of their loyal followers the departures were not only financially necessary but also a calculated move to upgrade. In the case of Tyron Smith, there was a degree of both.

Smith was fast becoming a player in decline with the Cowboys. The former All-Pro left tackle wasn’t the man he used to be. Attrition had taken its toll, and Smith was becoming an extremely injury prone player for Dallas. Smith played in less than five games in two of his last four seasons in Dallas. When he was in the game, he was good, but he wasn’t someone the team could bank on to play anymore.

How was he last for the Cowboys?

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His last season in Dallas was a bounce-back season for the 13-year veteran. Smith didn’t just play in 13 games for the Cowboys, but once again proved to be one of the best blindside pass protectors in the NFL.

His run blocking, on the other hand, left something to be desired. Smith’s decline in the run blocking portion of the game looked significant in 2023 and the Cowboys likely saw it as a good time to part ways.

How has he been in 2024?

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Smith has struggled mightily in 2024. Signed by the Jets to a one year, $6,500,000 guaranteed contract, Smith was brought in to man left tackle for Aaron Rodgers’ Jets. In that time he’s logged the 4^th most pass blocking snaps in the NFL at OT. He’s given up the seventh-most pressures (16) and second-most sacks (5).

His run-blocking has slightly improved, with Smith grading out at the 33^rd best run blocking OT in the NFL. Given the difficult assignments he’s drawn and the number of times he’s been asked to play on an island, overall Smith grades out as the 27^th OT in the NFL.

Where would he fit had he stayed in Dallas?

Wednesday: DNP |

Starting LT. It’s difficult to say the Cowboys would have even drafted Tyler Guyton had they kept Smith for another year but since Guyton was drafted as a project player, it’s safe to say yes. Guyton currently rates 70^th of 76 OTs PFF has graded this season.

Guyton has played one less game than Smith and given up three less pressures. Averaging 2.6 pressures per game, it’s fair to say Guyton would be tied with Smith had he played in Week 6.

Should the Cowboys have re-signed him?

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Yes.

Even with Smith’s decline and sorted injury history, he’s a significant upgrade to what Guyton currently offers, and his presence would have opened the playbook for the Cowboys offense to operate more freely.

It’s important to acknowledge the responsibilities being asked of Guyton are vastly different than what’s been asked of Smith. Smith is being given all the responsibilities of an elite LT and he’s rarely given blocking support to help him through. Guyton is getting help from other blockers, from the play-caller and from Dak Prescott himself. Chip blocks, roll outs to the right, and a quick release clock are all keeping the sack and pressure numbers modest for Guyton.

Smith probably isn’t what the Jets were hoping for when they signed him but he’s much better than what Dallas has. At a price of $6,500,000 with no commitment beyond 2024, Smith is still worth it.