Is Dallas Right About Tyron Smith? Cowboys Free Agent Already Lining Up Suitors

Is Dallas Right About Tyron Smith? Cowboys Free Agent Already Lining Up Suitors

FRISCO - The Dallas Cowboys are attempting to do some damage control now that's it's an open secret that they are likely to part ways with the eight-time Pro Bowl tackle Tyron Smith.

Yes, it remains possible that Tyron's side has misjudged the market in free agency and that he will come crawling back to re-sign with the Cowboys.

Yes, it remains possible that Dallas - amid questions of whether it "lowballed'' Tyron (it's fairly obvious that Smith's side thinks so) - could boomerang back with an offer to retain the future Hall of Famer.

But with "legal tampering'' set to start on March 11, and signings made official starting March 13, the wheels are already in motion for Tyron to accept bids. And amid speculation that the Kansas City Chiefs and the New York Jets and others might be among the suitors, here comes the first "sourced'' report ...

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And it's the New England Patriots, who according to a report out of Boston are “expected to pursue'' Smith.

"The Patriots would like to find a starting-caliber tackle in free agency,” MassLive wrote. “One name to watch is Tyron Smith, who earned second-team All-Pro honors with the Cowboys last season. The 33-year-old would provide a short-term solution at left tackle and the Patriots are expected to pursue Smith when free agency opens.”

ESPN has politely written that Smith and the Cowboys are at “different ends of the salary spectrum.'' That's one way of putting it. Meanwhile, Tyron's side is eyeballing a move with some level of knowledge that there will be bidders who slide nearer his "end of the salary spectrum.''

Did Dallas goof this up? Smith will easily be the top tackle available on the open market. ... and sometime soon following five years after his retirement, he figures to be heading to Canton. ... and yet we can't judge the decision until we know three things. ...

SUCCESSION: Cowboys Meet 7 Tackles As Tyron Plans Free Agency Move

1 - What did the Cowboys offer compared to what will Tyron sign for? The smaller the margin between the two numbers, the worse Dallas will look.

2 - Will his new team gets its money's worth? Smith hasn't played over 13 games in a single season since 2019 with concerns of his knee, back, and ankle overtaking his dominant play. A big-money bet comes with hope that he can stay healthy.

3 - Dallas isn't doing this blindly. The Cowboys have a succession plan that obviously includes young All-Pro Tyler Smith holding down the fort on the left side of the line in some capacity ... with help coming in the draft or via free agency. If the Cowboys' post-Tyron plan allows the O-line to continue to play at the level it's been at during Tyron's time? Fine.

If the O-line goes into a ditch because in addition to "damage control,'' Dallas just did "damage,'' period? Then the decision can be judged - and judged harshly.