Days before the legal tampering period opened, it was reported that the Dallas Cowboys and long-time OT Tyron Smith were expected to part ways in free agency.
Since then, Smith remains unsigned, and there hasn’t been much of a demand for his services. With Smith still available on the open market and the Cowboys having yet to sign his replacement, EVP Stephen Jones told reporters that the team is open to bringing him back this season.
Cowboys’ Stephen Jones Open To Signing Tyron Smith
Jones met with the collective media on Thursday afternoon ahead of an event at their stadium. Among the array of questions the Cowboys’ decision-maker was asked about, the topic of Smith and a possible return was one of the highlights.
Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones said the door is still open for Tyron Smith returning pic.twitter.com/7lbmcMu9YF
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) March 14, 2024
“No one thinks more about Tyron, Tyron Smith is going to be a Hall of Fame football player,” Jones started.
“He’s had an amazing career, and we certainly hadn’t shut the door on a continued career here in Dallas.
“He’s one of the great left tackles that have ever played the game. No one feels better about Tyron Smith than this organization …”
With the offensive tackle market yet to take off since the start of free agency, it’s tough to gauge just what Smith’s value is currently. Nevertheless, it’s expected that he will have multiple suitors for his services. And if the Cowboys are true in their words that they want to bring him back then it may take an enticing contract to do so.
Smith has continuously dealt with injuries throughout his career, which has complicated matters when it comes to contracts over the years. However, due to a more concerted effort during the practice week, Smith was able to play and start in 13 games last season.
Despite missing four games in 2023, it’s a far cry from the 13 games he missed in 2022, while also only playing in two games in 2020.
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When healthy and on the field, Smith has been one of the game’s best left tackles. But it’s always been more about availability than his actual ability. Regardless of his health heading into 2024, it looks as if the Cowboys aren’t shutting the door on a possible return and would welcome the big tackle back into the fold.
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