How High Does Tyron Rank in NFL Free Agency? Can Cowboys Sign 'Top-5' Talent?
The Dallas Cowboys offensive line had its fair share of issues this season as Dak Prescott was sacked the most times since 2018 (39).
But one area of the offensive line that wasn't an issue of sorts was left tackle with Tyron Smith. The ageless wonder again proved to be one of the best left tackles in football ... when he was healthy.
Now entering free agency, a decision has to be made, and while it is hard to envision Tyron in a uniform other than his familiar blue and white ... this is the NFL, so never say never.
When ranking the top 25 offensive free agents, CBS Sports acknowledges Smith's incredible talents and has him ranked at No. 5, above the likes of Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs, and fellow Cowboy Tony Pollard.
"When healthy, Smith remains one of the small handful of best tackles -- and overall offensive linemen -- in the NFL," CBS Sports writes. "He might have been the NFL's best tackle this season on a down-to-down basis. It's just a week-to-week guess as to whether he will actually be healthy at this point. But man, he is still so, so good."
"So good" is an understatement as Smith protected Prescott's blindside with All-Pro authority, but given his age, expecting Tyron to be able to play a full season plus playoffs seems like a bridge too far.
"Tyron Wednesdays" became a theme for Dallas this season as the veteran would often rest in the middle of the week as he was constantly dealing with niggling injuries.
When he was on the field, everything seemed to flow as he only allowed one sack from 847 offensive snaps played and had an overall grading of 83.8 per PFF. That'll work.
But as our Mike Fisher detailed the "handing the keys" to Tyron, but in such a pressurized season for Dallas, is that wise given his injury record over the last couple of seasons?
One report says that Tyson is not retiring, so he will either be in Dallas or elsewhere in 2024, and with so much on the line, having Tyron return to potentially put a full stop on a superb career with a Super Bowl win would be something special.
He is a top-five offensive free agent, which solidifies his talent despite his age, but will he have enough juice in the tank for one final push with Dallas or elsewhere? That is the million-dollar question. Or, maybe, based on salary guesses, a $12 million question.
