On the very same day that the Dallas Cowboys released running back Ezekiel Elliott, the team has opted to retain one of its core pieces.
According to NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero, Dallas has restructured the contract of eight-time Pro Bowler and future Hall of Famer Tyron Smith.
The left tackle’s restructure helps Dallas save a whopping $8.89 million in cap room as free agency continues around the NFL.
This wasn’t necessarily a foregone conclusion. Reports leading up to the start of NFL free agency indicated that the 32-year-old veteran could be in the chopping block. The performance of then-rookie Tyler Smith at left tackle in his stead last season added another layer to this belief.
Smith has played in just 17 games over the past three seasons due to numerous injuries. He missed 13 games this past year with a torn hamstring.
It remains to be seen what role Tyron Smith will play with the Dallas Cowboys in 2023. The younger Smith is probably locked in at left tackle. Youngster Terence Steele played extremely well in starting 13 games at tackle last season. The Texas Tech product was handed a $4.3 million restricted free agent tender earlier this offseason.
There is a chance that Tyler Smith moves inside to left guard in 2023 before making the transition as Dak Prescott’s blindside protector once Smith ultimately retires.
Related: Sources say Dallas Cowboys in on Jerry Jeudy trade
Dallas Cowboys offensive line coming together
This is a very good problem to have. In addition to the two Smiths and Steele, Dallas’ interior offensive line is settled. That includes all-time great guard Zack Martin and young center Tyler Biadasz.
Despite dealing with multiple starting offensive line variations a season ago, Cowboys quarterbacks were sacked just 27 times. If healthy, this promises to be one of the best units in the NFL next season.
By restructuring Tyron Smith’s contract, the Cowboys are now roughly $17 million under the 2023 NFL salary cap. They have been linked to some big names on the wide receiver market via a trade. This could end up being a precursor of things to come in Big D.