Fansided

10 biggest bargains in the NFL

By Parker Hurley

Oct 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) throws the ball during the first quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi
Oct 2, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott (4) throws the ball during the first quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi /
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Jan 3, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys tackle Tyron Smith (77) in action during the game against the Washington Redskins at AT&T Stadium. The Redskins defeat the Cowboys 34-23. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys tackle Tyron Smith (77) in action during the game against the Washington Redskins at AT&T Stadium. The Redskins defeat the Cowboys 34-23. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

7. Tyron Smith

In terms of debating who the best left tackle in the NFL, it is starting to become consensus more than argument. Anybody who does not rank Tyron Smith as the top tackle in the league will need to bring a strong argument, because most NFL fans would brush them off as crazy.

At this point, Smith currently has a $6.8 million cap hit, ranking him 13th among left tackles, and outside of the top twenty in terms of all tackles.

The Cowboys played this thing really smartly, though. This year is the first year in what will be an eight-year deal for the All-Pro tackle. Next year, Smith will likely be the highest paid tackle in the NFL. However, as the year’s pass, the salary cap is guaranteed to go up, so long as the NFL continues to make the profit. With an increased salary cap, teams have more money to spend and will by making the next guy in line a higher paid player than the player before them.

As Smith continues to ascend into his prime, he will begin to see other left tackles make more money than him. By the time his eight-year deal is over, there is no telling how many tackles will have re-upped on a new contract that will equal a higher cap hit than Smith.

The Cowboys did this thing absolutely right. They drafted well, therefore giving them Smith. After acquiring Smith and realizing what they have, the team was quick to extend him. Every year they waited to extend him would have only made his price tag go up. It is just another reason why this team is in the position they are.

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