Veteran Left Tackle Tyron Smith Could Be Sought After by Chiefs, Rams, and Commanders
ICARO Media Group
Leading NFL left tackle Tyron Smith may be on the move in the upcoming offseason, and a couple of teams are expressing interest in acquiring his talents. Smith, a five-time All-Pro and eight-time Pro Bowler, has been a cornerstone of the Dallas Cowboys' offensive line since being drafted in 2011. However, injuries have limited his playing time in recent years, raising questions about his future.
In 2022, Smith played in just four games due to a torn hamstring, and a neck issue in 2020 kept him out of all but two games. Nonetheless, when he is on the field, Smith has proven to be an effective blind-side blocker. In fact, he received the highest pass-blocking grade (88.6) among offensive linemen who played 100 or more snaps in 2023, according to Pro Football Focus.
According to Spotrac's market value tool, Smith could command a one-year deal worth $7,481,509 for the 2024 season. This would make him the 18th highest-paid left tackle in the league. However, his price tag could increase depending on the level of interest from teams in need of an experienced left tackle.
One team that could potentially benefit from Smith's services is the Kansas City Chiefs. With left tackle Donovan Smith entering free agency, the Chiefs are in need of a reliable blind-side protector for star quarterback Patrick Mahomes. The team's offensive line has been a key factor in their recent success, and adding Smith could further solidify their chances of securing a third consecutive Super Bowl appearance. However, the Chiefs may face financial constraints, as they currently have a modest $3,462,361 available in cap space.
Another potential suitor for Smith is the Los Angeles Rams. Smith, a California native who played high school football in Moreno Valley and college football at USC, could find appeal in returning to his home state. The Rams have a vacancy at left tackle and are known for their win-now mentality under general manager Les Snead. Despite concerns over Smith's injury history, the Rams may be willing to take the risk in their pursuit of immediate success.
Interestingly, Smith might not even have to leave the division to find a new team. The Washington Commanders, led by former Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn, could emerge as a logical landing spot. With a healthy cap space of $91,542,471, which is among the highest in the league, Washington has the financial flexibility to meet Smith's demands. Moreover, the team recently released veteran left tackle Charles Leno, creating a void at the position. As Washington plans to revamp their offensive line and protect their young quarterbacks Drake Maye or Jayden Daniels, adding a seasoned left tackle like Smith could be a wise move.
As the offseason approaches, the market for Tyron Smith's services is expected to heat up. While the Chiefs, Rams, and Commanders have emerged as potential suitors, there may be additional teams looking to bolster their offensive lines with a proven veteran like Smith. It remains to be seen where Smith will ultimately land, but one thing is clear – his experience, skillset, and championship pedigree make him an attractive option for teams with aspirations of playoff success and beyond.