Jerry Jones says Tyler Smith could replace Tyron Smith at LT

The Dallas Cowboys have hard decisions ahead after letting long-time starting left tackle Tyron Smith walk into a new one-year deal with the New York Jets. Figuring out how to replace Smith now becomes a top priority with many speculating the team will opt to draft a left tackle in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

Perhaps not wanting to confirm their big draft plans for their No. 24 overall selection, team owner Jerry Jones told reporters at annual league meetings in Orlando this week that former first-rounder Tyler Smith could potentially go from left guard to left tackle next season.

He played left tackle during his rookie season when the veteran suffered a torn hamstring and avulsion fracture during training camp. He proved adept at anchoring the line at left tackle but he returned to guard for the 2023 season.

“I’d say that’s a good, viable thing… Keep the idea there. Don’t dismiss that idea,” Jones said of moving Tyler Smith, via Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News. “Certainly, he’s potentially, I want to say, a great player at left tackle.”

The Cowboys snagged Tyler Smith out of Tulsa with their No. 24 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Last season, he earned his first Pro Bowl nomination and first second-team All-Pro honor.

Cowboys couldn’t afford Tyron Smith’s new contract

Dallas didn’t want to let Tyron Smith go after 13 seasons. The octogenarian businessman compared the departure of Smith to New York to the departure of DeMarcus Ware for the Broncos in 2014. At the end of the day, the team determined the cost would be too high for the veteran left tackle, especially if he hits his incentives.

“You know how highly he’s thought of by us,” Jones said. “We can’t afford that. He makes all of his incentives and things like that, we would be really wrecked.”

It’s worth noting that the Cowboys have spent the least among all 32 NFL teams since the free agency window opened. Not only did they let Smith walk, but also other big names like Tony Pollard, Dante Fowler, Tyler Biadasz, Johnathan Hankins and Dorance Armstrong. They’ve spent just $11.13 million so far. The team second behind the Cowboys in frugality this offseason, the Chargers, have spent $39.2 million.

Dallas could potentially open up the checkbook after the draft if they still need to sign a free agent for the offensive line. Chuma Edoga, whom the team picked up for depth last offseason, is still unsigned.