Tyron Smith’s career with the Dallas Cowboys appears to be over after 13 seasons. The veteran left tackle is unlikely to re-sign with the team that made him the ninth overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, per NFL Network. Instead, Smith will reach free agency for the first time in his career — and should have ample opportunities around the league.
Tyron Smith’s Best Post-Cowboys Landing Spots
Smith is 33 years old and hasn’t completed a full slate of games since 2015. But he’s incredibly effective when on the field. Smith earned second-team All-Pro honors last season, allowed only 17 pressures (including three sacks), and ranked fourth among OTs in run-block win rate.
The USC product ranks 29th in Pro Football Network’s Top 100 Free Agents list. Smith is third among FA offensive tackles, behind Mike Onwenu and Jonah Williams. His ceiling is higher than both options, but Smith’s age and injury history drag him down a bit.
With so many teams needing offensive line reinforcements, Smith should be highly coveted. Here are seven teams that could be interested when the market opens, beginning with the reigning Super Bowl champions.
Kansas City Chiefs
The Chiefs went the free agent offensive tackle route last offseason, inking Jawaan Taylor to a four-year, $80 million contract before landing Donovan Smith on a one-year deal to man Patrick Mahomes’ blindside.
Donovan Smith is a free agent, so Kansas City could take the opportunity to improve at left tackle by bringing in Tyron Smith, who might leap at the chance to finally experience postseason success. The Chiefs are tight on cap space and need to re-sign DT Chris Jones and CB L’Jarius Sneed, but they can create more room if required.
New York Jets
While the Jets weren’t a contender in 2023, Aaron Rodgers’ impending return from an Achilles should put Gang Green back in the playoff conversation. New York needs to revamp nearly its entire offensive line this offseason.
Tackles Mekhi Becton and Duane Brown are free agents, while the Jets released guard Laken Tomlinson this week. Smith could instantly give New York’s front five credibility, but general manager Joe Douglas couldn’t stop after adding Smith at left tackle.
Washington Commanders
The Commanders cut left tackle Charles Leno Jr. on Friday, creating an offensive line void in front of whichever quarterback they select at No. 2 overall in the upcoming draft. Depositing Drake Maye or Jayden Daniels behind one of the NFL’s worst OLs might not be the greatest idea.
Washington has over $90 million in cap space and a new ownership group that will probably be willing to spend this offseason. Although the Commanders might not look like the sort of instant contender Smith might want to join, they could be in for a quick turnaround.
New England Patriots
The Patriots lead the NFL cap space, and it’s fair to label their offensive tackle situation as “dire.” Onwenu, Trent Brown, and Riley Reiff are pending free agents, leaving Connor McDermott, Calvin Anderson, and Vederian Lowe as the top OTs on New England’s roster.
Like the Commanders, the Patriots might not be in the playoff mix in 2024, which could reduce Smith’s interest in coming to New England. But money talks, even for players who’ve made as much as Smith.
Miami Dolphins
It remains unclear if the Dolphins will have a hole at left tackle. Terron Armstead is still considering retirement, although he’s expected to decide before the start of free agency.
Even if Armstead hangs it up, Miami could be hard-pressed to pursue Smith (or any high-profile free agent), given that it’s still $31 million over the cap. But the Dolphins will have a clear need up front if Armstead leaves, and Smith could be on their radar.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars can save roughly $17 million in cash and cap by cutting incumbent left tackle Cam Robinson this offseason. Even if it releases Robinson, Jacksonville might prefer to move Walker Little or Anton Harrison to the blindside.
But Doug Pederson and Co. are still reeling after missing the playoffs in 2023 and may want to make a free-agent splash. That could mean a new deal for WR Calvin Ridley or a defensive addition, but Smith might make sense.
New Orleans Saints
Former first-round pick Trevor Penning has failed to develop for the Saints, who were forced to deploy usual guard Andrus Peat at left tackle in 2023. Peat is a pending free agent, while it’s hard to imagine New Orleans going back to Penning next season.
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Cap space will always be a concern for the Saints, but they managed to sign QB Derek Carr to a four-year, $150 million contract last offseason despite having financial issues. If New Orleans wants to take a swing on Smith, the club can make it work.
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