Report: Tyron Smith unlikely to return to Dallas Cowboys in free agency

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, change is on the horizon for Tyron Smith and the Dallas Cowboys.

Evidently, the former USC Trojans star won’t be a member of the Cowboys any longer, as the longtime offensive tackle will hit free agency and a reunion with Dallas isn’t likely for Smith, per Rapoport.

“End of an era: #Cowboys All-Pro and Pro Bowl LT Tyron Smith will be a free agent and is unlikely to return to Dallas, sources say,” NFL Network’s report posted on X, formerly known as Twitter. “The blindside protector since 2011, Smith will be highly coveted.”

Earlier this offseason, it was revealed that Smith reportedly wanted to stay with the Cowboys for at least one more season, so it remains to be seen what changed.

“Tyron Smith, the longest-tenured player on the Cowboys, wants to play another season with the team, a person familiar with his thinking told The Dallas Morning News,” Calvin Watkins reported. “Smith, 33, becomes an unrestricted free agent this spring and there is uncertainty about a return.”

At his peak, Smith is the best left tackle in all of football, being named to the All-Pro first-team on two different occasions. The Cowboys have relied on the former USC product since selecting him in the first round of the 2011 NFL Draft. Smith was even named a second-team All-Pro this past season despite only playing in 13 games.

That may be why Dallas is looking for somebody else to protect Dak Prescott‘s blindside moving forward. Injuries have been a major issue for Smith in recent years and kept him out for extended periods on multiple occasions. His last full season came back in 2015 but over the last four seasons, Smith has appeared in just 30 games.

However, when he has been healthy and able to play, Smith has kept his standard at the highest level.

Dallas has heavily been linked to an offensive tackle in the first round of the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft. The right side is already locked down, from a contract standpoint, with Terence Steele. Tyler Smith was thought to be Tyron’s replacement when originally selected but he has settled in nicely at left guard.

Center is maybe an area they will look at as well, with the contract of Tyler Biadasz expiring. And then there is Zack Martin at right tackle, who, like Tyron Smith, has played at an All-Pro level throughout his entire career.

On3’s Griffin McVeigh contributed to this article.