Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Tyron Smith is slated to reach free agency next week. It's a shocking development. An eight-time Pro Bowler, Smith has played his entire 13-year career to date in Dallas. Smith was initially expected to re-sign with the Cowboys, but an alleged breakdown in negotiations is now expected to lead to his departure.
Smith is still playing the position at an incredibly high level. The former USC standout will be well sought after once the legal tampering window opens on Monday. We've identified three potential landing spots for Smith's services.
NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS
The Patriots replaced Bill Belichick by officially ushering in the Jerod Mayo era this offseason. The next step is to draft a quarterback with the No. 3 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. Drake Maye or Jayden Daniels are the favorites to be New England's next quarterback. Whichever signal caller Mayo selects as his face-of-the-franchise guy will require better protection from across the offensive line.
Chukwuma Okorafor was signed on Thursday to compete for the starting gig at right tackle, but the left side remains unsettled heading into free agency. Trent Brown played out the 2023 campaign on an expiring contract and isn't expected to return. Signing Smith would immediately help the Patriots protect whichever quarterback is considered their next prized possession.
NEW YORK JETS
The Patriots could face competition for Smith from their AFC East rival Jets. General manager Joe Douglas is tasked with loading up for a run at Super Bowl LIX this offseason. Aaron Rodgers will return from a season-ending Achilles injury for what could be his final season of professional football. The Jets' window to win a Super Bowl with Rodgers at the helm is closing by the day.
The Jets were forced to start a platoon of players at left tackle last season. Recurring injuries and inconsistencies made the position a sore spot all campaign long. Last year's primary starter was supposed to be veteran Duane Brown, but he only played 101 snaps before suffering an injury. Mekhi Becton ended up serving as the starter. Both Becton and Brown are now slated for free agency. Rodgers calls the shots in East Rutherford, and he'd appreciate having Smith protect his blindside to avoid a repeat of last season.
KANSAS CITY CHIEFS
Smith has established himself as one of the greatest blockers of our generation. It's a shame he never received an opportunity to win a Super Bowl in Dallas. The Chiefs could tempt Smith with that opportunity in unrestricted free agency. This past season's starting left tackle Donovan Smith was on a one-year contract.
General manager Brett Veach may opt against re-signing Smith. Smith's play fell short of meeting expectations despite the Chiefs winning the Super Bowl. If the Chiefs have a new starting left tackle to protect Patrick Mahomes in 2024, Veach would only settle for a proven veteran like Tyron Smith. A Super Bowl ring is the final accolade missing from Smith's trophy cabinet. The Chiefs would allow Smith to chase a title before ending his illustrious career.
