In Indianapolis, the 2024 NFL Combine is underway in anticipation of the 2024 NFL Draft. Although representatives from all 32 NFL teams are present to assess draft prospects, the Cowboys are still lagging behind…
In Indianapolis, the 2024 NFL Combine is underway in anticipation of the 2024 NFL Draft.
In addition to the 32 NFL teams sending representatives to assess draft prospects, the Cowboys are also busily preparing for free agency behind the scenes.
March 11 is the start of the NFL free agency tampering period, and March 13 is the start of full-fledged free agency.
According to a recent tweet from NFL Insider Ian Rapaport, a veteran Cowboys player won’t be returning for the 2024 campaign.
Dallas Morning News reporter Michael Gehlken tweeted that “the two sides stand drastically apart in the financial framework” (of a contract), despite the fact that both parties want to keep LT Michael Gehlken wearing a Cowboys uniform.
Gehlken added, “The team is not ruling out a reunion,” which would necessitate bridging a significant gap.
To be perfectly honest, I wasn’t expecting to hear this news.
Re-signing Tyron is the one move I thought would be only a formality. I recently published an essay about what I thought the Cowboys should do in free agency with the offensive line.
The Cowboys have three options in 2023 to avoid paying the salary cap.
For Tyron, what does this mean?
I was surprised to hear this news, given that this time last offseason, the Cowboys Nation went crazy over Tyler Smith’s arrival at left tackle.
The enormous social media support to trade Tyron for draft picks was fueled by the revelation that Terence Steele and Tyler Smith will be the tackles of the future.
Tyron would reportedly retire before accepting a move elsewhere in response to the frequent queries that media members within The Star tweeted.
I am aware that the two parties are in conflict over the terms of the contract, but I never imagined Tyron would think about donning a different outfit.
All of the concessions given and all of the unorthodox contract arrangements and restructurings he consented to hinted that he would either wear The Star on his helmet or wear nothing at all.
Not satisfied with having previously played 13 seasons at a Hall of Fame level, Tyron now sets his sights on a new team.
When the time comes, I think Tyron will be selected as a first-ballot Hall of Famer, although this may be biased on my part.
Tyron may not be 100% of the player he once was, but 80% of him is still talented enough to start over most left tackles in the league, regardless of whatever team signs him.
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For Dallas, what does this mean?
Put simply, it signals the end of an era and the beginning of the franchise’s cycle with a new left tackle.
Flozell Adams played for 12 years prior to Tyron’s 13 years, while Mark Tuinei played for 15 years prior to Flozell.
Dallas is known for using premium draft selections to acquire starting left tackles, with players enjoying more than a ten-year payback period.
Regarding the enormous void Tyron Smith left behind, the Cowboys have a few options between now and the start of training camp.
History indicates that they won’t look back until 2040 and will select their next tackle in the first round, but is that player currently on the team?
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Tyler Smith
University of Tulsa left lineman Tyler Smith was chosen by the Dallas Cowboys as the 26th overall choice in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Smith has been nothing short of miraculous whenever the Cowboys line him up to play since being drafted.
Tyron Smith’s injury forced Tyler into the starting left tackle position, although Smith was expected to start at left guard as a rookie and spent the whole training camp there.
The issue is that, according to a remark that surfaced last week, Tyler reminds ownership of the same route that the late, great Larry Allen traveled with Dallas.
You want to move him from that place after a week?
In the unlikely event that they were able to select a replacement, I think we won’t find out if Tyler will go up to left tackle until after the draft.
In relation to the draft,
Dallas Cowboys bid farewell to their gentle giant after one draft pick and the end of an era
The Cowboys are known for being able to choose a left tackle in the first round and have that man play as a cornerstone for over ten years, as I mentioned earlier.
The first clue that Tyron’s replacement will most likely come through the draft is that history.
At the NFL Combine, Dallas had formal interviews with a number of prospects, including offensive linemen who possess the ability to play left tackle.
In terms of current favorites, I would have to choose Arizona State University’s Jordan Morgan.
As an offensive lineman, he possesses the position versatility that the Cowboys are looking for.
Should position flex be the most appealing quality, Duke University’s Graham Barton is someone to watch.
As a versatile weapon who can plug in at any position, he has experience playing all offensive line positions in college.
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I don’t see Dallas taking this approach until they sign a free agent like Isaiah Wynn or Cameron Fleming, who would cost less than $3 million a season.
They won’t sign a top free agent for the position if they can’t come to an agreement with a guy who has spent the last 13 years with them over money.
For pure amusement, the following is a short list of contenders in the event that they choose to select a veteran rather than a rookie or cheap player:
