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24-year-old offensive guard Tyler Smith has only been with the Dallas Cowboys for a little over three seasons, but in that time, he has already proven beyond doubt the kind of asset he is to the franchise. The Cowboys, recognizing his value both on and off the field, have moved swiftly to secure his long-term future. On Saturday, the team announced a four-year, $96 million contract extension for Smith, an agreement that makes him the highest-paid guard in NFL history.
The new deal, which averages $24 million per season and includes a staggering $81.2 million guaranteed, keeps Smith in Dallas through the 2030 season. It surpasses the record-setting contract signed just this past July by Kansas City Chiefs guard Trey Smith, who inked a four-year, $94 million extension.
Smith entered the league in 2022 as the Cowboys’ first-round pick out of Tulsa. Under his rookie contract, he was set to earn just $2.53 million this season, with Dallas already having picked up his $21.27 million fifth-year option. That arrangement would have kept him under team control through 2026. Instead, the new extension locks him in four more years beyond that, a massive financial leap that reflects how quickly he’s risen from promising draftee to Pro Bowl star.
Since stepping into the lineup, Smith has been a model of durability and consistency. He has started 49 of 51 games available, including a streak of 48 straight starts to begin his career. Initially thrust into action at left tackle as a rookie after Tyron Smith’s injury, he transitioned to left guard in 2023 and immediately excelled.
Over the past two seasons, Smith has been named to the Pro Bowl twice and earned second-team All-Pro honors in 2023. His steady pass protection and dominant run blocking have helped Dallas rank among the league’s best offenses. Last season, he allowed just two sacks in over 1,100 offensive snaps, with Pro Football Focus grading him as one of the NFL’s top interior linemen.
This season, through two games, he has continued to show why Cowboys coaches and teammates call him the anchor of the line. He has allowed just one pressure across nearly 90 snaps, protecting Dak Prescott and paving the way for a run game averaging over four yards per carry.
For the Cowboys, extending Smith is about more than numbers. With veterans like Tyron Smith and Zack Martin no longer on the roster, Tyler Smith has quickly grown into a leader of the offensive line room, which now features rookies and second-year players around him. Head coach Brian Schottenheimer has already labeled him “the best guard in football,” while owner Jerry Jones praised his emerging leadership.
It also signals a broader strategy for Dallas. Weeks after trading star pass rusher Micah Parsons to Green Bay, the team has invested heavily in retaining its young core. Cornerback DaRon Bland and tight end Jake Ferguson signed major extensions earlier this summer, and now Smith joins them as part of a foundation Dallas hopes can propel them into long-term contention.
Financially, the move is also proactive. With the market for elite linemen only rising, locking in Smith now could prove to be a bargain in a few years.
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Tyler Smith and the Cowboys Secure Wild Comeback Win Against the Giants
One day after putting pen to paper on his record-breaking extension, Tyler Smith backed up his value with a near-flawless performance in the Cowboys’ 40-37 overtime victory over the New York Giants on Sunday. The NFC East showdown, once a staple of prime-time television, delivered high drama in an early afternoon window. After a relatively quiet first half, the second half erupted into a back-and-forth thriller featuring nine scoring drives in the final 10 possessions.
The Giants, led by a resurgent Russell Wilson, looked poised for an upset after Malik Nabers hauled in a 48-yard touchdown with just 25 seconds left to put New York ahead 37-34. But Dak Prescott marched Dallas downfield, setting up kicker Brandon Aubrey for a stunning 64-yard field goal at the buzzer to force overtime.
In the extra session, the Giants failed to capitalize on multiple chances, and Aubrey sealed the win with a 46-yard game-winner after Donovan Wilson intercepted Wilson’s deep ball.
Dak Prescott finished 38-of-52 for 361 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception, spreading the ball to CeeDee Lamb (112 yards) and George Pickens (TD reception). Running back Javonte Williams chipped in 97 yards and a touchdown on the ground.
But perhaps the steadiest performance of the day came from Tyler Smith, who allowed just one pressure on 89 offensive snaps, helping stabilize an offensive line that faced relentless pressure from New York’s front.
On the Giants’ side, Wilson rolled back the clock with 450 passing yards and three touchdowns, but his overtime interception overshadowed an otherwise stellar night. Rookie receiver Malik Nabers shone with 167 yards and two scores, while Wan’Dale Robinson added another touchdown.
The Cowboys’ win moves them to 1-1 after their Week 1 loss to the Eagles, avoiding the dreaded 0-2 start within the division. The Giants, meanwhile, drop to 0-2 despite much-improved play from their quarterback.
Dallas now turns its attention to Week 3, where it will face the Chicago Bears on the road next Sunday. With momentum from both a wild comeback win and the long-term security of their new franchise guard, the Cowboys will be eager to build on this early-season turning point.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How much is Tyler Smith’s new contract with the Dallas Cowboys worth?
Tyler Smith agreed to a four-year, $96 million contract extension with the Dallas Cowboys. The deal includes over $81.2 million in guaranteed money, making him the highest-paid guard in NFL history.
Why is Tyler Smith’s contract extension significant?
This extension sets a new benchmark for NFL guards in terms of salary and guaranteed money. It also shows the Cowboys’ commitment to building around their offensive line and highlights Smith’s importance to protecting quarterback Dak Prescott.
How has Tyler Smith performed for the Cowboys so far?
Since being drafted, Tyler Smith has established himself as one of the Cowboys’ most reliable and versatile offensive linemen. His consistency and physicality have made him a cornerstone of the unit, justifying the team’s decision to invest long-term.
What does this deal mean for the Cowboys’ future salary cap?
While the extension secures a key piece of the roster, it also adds a significant financial commitment to the Cowboys’ cap sheet. The front office will need to manage its spending carefully as other stars approach their own contract negotiations.
