Dallas Cowboys are making smart decision letting longest serving player walk away

Add as preferred source on Google

An emotional departure is on the cards in the Cowboys’ offseason, as the current longest-serving player is set to walk.

Tyron Smith has been one of the best offensive tackles in the business for over a decade now.

The 33-year-old was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 2011 and has been a staple piece of the offense.

Tyron Smith has numerous personal achievements

Smith protected Cowboys fan favorite Tony Romo and now Dak Prescott.

In addition, he was fundamental to the run game when Ezekiel Elliott dominated the rushing leaderboards.

After 13 seasons with America’s Team, Smith has built up quite the portfolio: two-time first-team All-Pro, three-time second-team All-Pro, eight Pro-Bowl selections, and an induction into the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team.

The Dallas Cowboys lifestyle is all that Tyron Smith has known since his draft back in 2011.

Now, the veteran offensive tackle prepares for life not sporting the Cowboys’ blue star.

The soon-to-be ex-Cowboy has endured an injury-plagued career of late, with issues creeping in as of 2020.

Smith only started two games, in early October, he decided to forgo the remainder of the season to receive surgery on his neck.

In 2022, Smith only managed to play in four games after recovering from a torn hamstring in practice.

After 13 years, the former first-round pick has only managed to stay healthy for just four seasons, succumbing to various injuries throughout the other nine seasons.

A tough decision

Considering this, it is understandable why the Dallas Cowboys believe it is within all parties’ interests to move on.

If Jerry Jones and the company are serious about the ‘all in’ motion being promised, then it is not financially viable to retain Smith.

They aim to invest in a replacement offensive tackle with a cleaner injury record and good value for money.

In the 2023 season, Dak Prescott was sacked the second most time’s in his career (39).

The protection needs to be more robust.

As they start formalizing a replacement OT strategy, the Cowboys may strongly consider the NFL Draft for options.

It would be silly not to, as Tyron Smith himself was an elite prospect who went on to achieve many great things in that position.

Now is time to move forward, instead of settling for another likely injury-hit year with Smith. The Cowboys’ strong draft record offers encouragement that the front office will pick the right replacement.