Cowboys Jaylon Smith has a 'Clear Eye View' for business that mirrors Tom Brady

Cowboys Jaylon Smith has a 'Clear Eye View' for business that mirrors Tom Brady

FRISCO - I have preached for quite some time that one way for a team to "beat'' the NFL salary cap is to borrow an idea from Tom Brady and the New England Patriots. The Dallas Cowboys just did so with Jaylon Smith and his particular sort of "vision.''

Linebacker Smith recently signed a five-year extension worth $64 million with $35 million in guarantees. The total commitment is for seven years.

“I want to be a Cowboy for the rest of my life,” Smith said. “Understanding what they’ve done for me, taking a chance, taking a risk. Now they’re getting the return on their investment. It’s a beautiful thing to be a Dallas Cowboy.”

Speaking of investments ...

In New England, QB Brady habitually signs contracts with the Patriots that seem "below market,'' as some argue Smith has just done (based on the idea that seven years from now, Jaylon's contract will be a bargain). But what observers sometimes miss in New England: Brady owns "TB12,'' a company that provides "wellness in the areas of nutrition and supplementation, as well as physical and mental fitness training, have helped athletes maximize their potential and maintain peak performance levels for more than a decade."

And among TB12's top-paying clients? The New England Patriots.

The NFL determined long ago that the arrangement was legal. Therefore, if Brady can "go into business'' with Patriots owner Robert Kraft, why wouldn't it be legal for Jaylon to "go into business'' with the Joneses?

It is legal. And it is happening.

Jaylon's first high-profile business venture is "CEV Collection,'' his eyewear company. And guess what? Jaylon is announcing that CEV "is proud to partner with Dallas Cowboys Pro Shop and bring to fans the exclusive Dallas Cowboys CEV Collection. Find the perfect style and keep your Clear Eye View now!''

Well, I'll be darned.

I've suggested for years that Jerry Jones and pricey Cowboys players should "pull off a Brady.'' COO Stephen Jones this year has talked about Ezekiel Elliott, Amari Cooper, Dak Prescott and others involved in contract negotiations understanding the unique benefits of being associated with "America's Team.''

And Jaylon Smith just figured it out.

The Cowboys are in business selling Jaylon Smith's products. Jaylon will make side money off of the Cowboys. Jaylon Smith is a business partner of Jerry Jones.

And hey, would you rather be a negotiation enemy of Jerry's ... or a business partner?

Soon, other Cowboys will get this figured out. You watch. But in the meantime? Jaylon Smith, 24, is the first guy to take advantage of the situation, TB12-style.

Oh, and Jaylon Smith is going to be the second Cowboy to figure it out, too. Because in addition to CEV being sold by the Cowboys Pro Shop, right across the street from the team's headquarters at The Star is a vacant store front that would be just right for a cryotherapy business.

And guess which entrepreneurial Cowboy just happens to be starting up a cryotherapy business?