What's Tyron Worth? Inside Cowboys Icon Contract Details - $6.5 Million!? - With Jets
FRISCO - With veteran offensive tackle Tyron Smith hitting free agency for the first time in his 13-year career, we predicted it was likely the end of an era for the Dallas Cowboys. ... even as team management spoke rather emptily of the "door being open.''
The No. 9 overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, Smith has been one of the best offensive linemen in the NFL for a lifetime now. The USC product is an eight-time Pro Bowl selection, as well as a member of the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team. Injuries have taken their toll on Smith recently, but he'll still go down as a Cowboys legend. ... who now goes to the New York Jets, jumping from being Dak Prescott's bodyguard to doing the same for the legendary Aaron Rodgers.
“I feel like it’s going to be amazing,'' said Tyron of his coming work with the four-time MVP and long-time Cowboys nemesis Rodgers. "Of course me being with Dallas, he’s kicked our butts twice in the playoffs (as the leader of the Packers) ... so I know what he's capable of.''
The issue, in fairness to Dallas - which is getting bashed coast-to-coast for losing Smith - is all about money, of course. Despite his injury concerns and him being in the latter stages of his career at 33, Smith can still play at a high level as he earned a second-team All-Pro selection last season.
But how much is Smith truly worth?
We believe Dallas really did want him back ... but certainly on a one-year deal (in line with our "Blow It Up!'' rebuilding prediction) ... and obviously not at the "up to $20 million'' price tag that the is being reported.
The real money? Indications are Tyron's actual salary is a very reasonable $6.5 million. Yes. That's it. There are incentives he can reach to get to the $20 million. But this is actually, cap-wise, a $6.5 million contract.
Should Dallas have gone there? Contrary to public opinion, it could've been done, cap-wise. The Cowboys made a choice to skip it.
Interestingly, former Jets general manager and current ESPN analyst Mike Tannenbaum attempted to answer that question before free agency opening and projected Smith to receive a one-year deal worth up to $15 million with $5 million guaranteed.
Will Tyron pay off for the Jets? We'll be watching. One thing's for sure, though: At whatever dollar figure, the Cowboys are going to miss seeing their franchise tackle line up for them.
