Tyron Smith Makes Cowboys Sacrifice, Still Called 'Overvalued'?

An eight-time Pro Bowler over his career, Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Tyron Smith has struggled with injuries over the past two seasons, suiting up in just 15 total games, including four last year.

There is in the last decade a decidedly short list of offensive tackles better than he Dallas Cowboys' Tyron Smith - maybe so "short'' that there isn't even a name on it.

A member of the NFL's All-Decade Team after being a first-round pick in 2011, Smith has compiled a resume featuring seven Pro Bowls, two All Pro nods and 131 career starts over than span. 

However, over the past three seasons the longtime veteran has struggled mightily to stay on the field - suiting up in just 17 games since 2020. 

We recognize and acknowledge the uncertainty that surrounds Smith's availability. But CBS Sports is going beyond that, putting a harsh label on it, having named the 32-year-old the most "overvalued" player in Dallas entering 2023. 

"A torn hamstring and avulsion fracture of the left knee limited Smith to just four games last season, hurting the depth of the Cowboys offensive line as Tyler Smith had to move to left tackle," CBS Sports writes. "The move hurt the depth at left guard, which is even more prevalent now that Connor McGovern left in free agency. The Cowboys are banking on Smith, who has played in just 17 out of 50 games over the last three years, to play the bulk of the season at left tackle. 

"That's a hard task for a 32-year-old left tackle who has played 12 seasons in the NFL. The Cowboys have insurance if Smith goes down, but the offensive line is significantly stronger with both Smiths lined up next to each other."

Let's dig through this ...

1- While expecting Smith to be healthy for a full season may be a tall order entering year No. 13, having the future Hall of Famer close to 100 percent is a significant boost. The Cowboys know this, and are trying to be prepared for what might happen ... but they do so the same as any other team does in building depth. If Tyron was 22 instead of 32, you think Dallas wouldn't still employ a swing tackle behind him?

2- The Cowboys could have retained McGovern. They chose not to. He was solid enough in 2022, but doesn't really merit mention in this conversation.

3- It's accidentally odd that CBS is using the word "banking'' when analyzing Tyron's situation, because relatively speaking, "banking'' is something he's volunteered to not do. As a concession to his injury issues and as a sign of his devotion to the Cowboys cause, Smith took a massive pay cut - from $13.6 million in base salary to $6 million - to play one more season at The Star.

Tyron Smith is being poked and prodded by national media outlets (this "overhyped'' story being typical) ... who don't really know the man or what makes him tick. So to us? Hey, maybe the "banking'' part of his relationship with the Cowboys merits mention.

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You can find Riley Sheppard on Twitter @RileyDSheppard

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