Tyron Smith, 32, has played in just 17 out of 50 possible games over the last three seasons. The Cowboys can open up to $10 million in cap space if they release the left tackle, who is an eight-time Pro Bowl selection.
Tyron Smith
In 2022, the team used their first-round pick on Tyler Smith, a left tackle out of Tulsa that switched to left guard while he developed into Tyron Smith’s successor. With a very good rookie year, Dallas might feel it’s time to part ways with their veteran star, who has missed two seasons’ worth of games in the past three years.
Are the Cowboys with major changes coming on offense?
Tyron Smith is not the only veteran player in Dallas who might not start the 2023 season with the team.
There are reports that maybe the franchise doesn’t value running back Ezekiel Elliott as much anymore. They feel like his deal is a problem and want him to take a pay cut to stay with the team – although it feels unlikely he would accept the cut.
Ezekiel Elliott
The Cowboys are set to be $7 million over the salary cap in 2023. Although releasing Smith would allow them to comply with the rules, getting rid of Zeke’s contract would be the perfect deal for the team. The problem is that no other team would take this bombshell of a contract.
Running back Tony Pollard will be a free agent, but it doesn’t look like he’s going anywhere. Dallas is expected to tag him even after he suffered an injury against the San Francisco 49ers in the divisional round.
Tony Pollard
Offensive coordinator Kellen Moore has already moved to the Los Angeles Chargers, and Mike McCarthy will take over play-call duties, so changes are absolutely coming to the franchise’s offense. The only doubt is whether the players are going to change as well, moving on from the two long-term superstars.