3 mistakes Cowboys are destined to make in 2023 offseason

2. The Cowboys are definitely not cutting Tyron Smith

Another decision that would undoubtedly be tough to make but should be made is regarding the future of longtime left tackle Tyron Smith.

Since he was a first-round pick by the Cowboys out of USC, Smith has been an elite player. When he’s on the field, there are few offensive tackles in the league who are better than him. Staying on the field, however, has been the primary issue for Smith in recent years.

Over the past three seasons, Smith has missed 35 of a possible 53 games due to various injuries that have plagued him. Upon his return to action, he’s always continued to be a phenomenal player, but availability matters, particularly when it’s considering an offensive lineman and a high-priced one at that.

Cutting or trading Smith could save the Cowboys either $9.595 million (pre-June 1) or $13.6 million in cap space, per Over the Cap. Given that they drafted Tyler Smith, who performed even better than expected as a rookie, in the first round last year and also have Terence Steele on the roster, that move would make sense.

Then you consider that Steele suffered a torn ACL in December. Then comes the loyalty factor again. And then it starts to come into view that Dallas could very easily justify hanging onto Tyron Smith this offseason in order to fill the time until Steele comes back. At this point in his career with his health and price tag (even with a restructure), though, that just doesn’t make sense for long-term success.

Yet, it feels like what will happen when it comes to this organization.