Blogging The Boys
Tyler Smith is such an important player for the Cowboys.
We continue the ‘Reasons To Be Positive’ series, where we look to find reasons for optimism ahead of the 2025 season. This installment looks at Tyler Smith.
2024 Season stats:
Games- 17
Snaps- 1,052
Passing Blocks- 682
Pressures Allowed- 22
Sacks Allowed- 2
Penalties- 9
2025 Projected stats:
Pressures Allowed- 2
Sacks Allowed- 2
Tyler Smith stands out as a beacon of promise and stability for the Dallas Cowboys and the offense, which seems crazy to say as fans felt frustrated when his name was called in the first round of the draft. With the departures of stalwarts Tyron Smith and Zack Martin, Smith’s emergence as a leader and his consistent performance provide Cowboys fans with a level of reprieve for the offensive line.
In 2024, Smith solidified his reputation as a top-tier left guard and was a bright spot on a struggling offensive line. According to Pro Football Focus(PFF), he achieved an overall grade of 75.0, ranking 20th among 136 guards. His pass-blocking grade registered at 76.0 (14th), while his run-blocking grade was 73.8 (21st). These metrics underscore his balanced proficiency in both protecting the Dak Prescott and facilitating the run game.
Smith’s durability is equally commendable. He participated in 1,052 snaps during the season and played in all 17 games, demonstrating his reliability and endurance on the field. In a year where so many offensive lineman struggled with health, Smith remained a constant and proved he could be relied upon.
With the retirements of Tyron Smith and Zack Martin, the Cowboys’ offensive line has entered a major transitional phase, the first time in quite a while. Tyler Smith has embraced this change, stepping up as a leader. Both Tyron Smith and Zack Martin, as well as the current offensive line players, have publicly endorsed him as the next great lineman for the Cowboys, highlighting his potential to carry forward their legacy. Smith himself has acknowledged the increased responsibility, expressing his commitment to guiding the younger players and maintaining the high standards set by his predecessors.
Recognizing his value, the Cowboys exercised the fifth-year option on Smith’s rookie contract, ensuring his presence through the 2026 season. This move provides the team with contractual stability and opens the door for potential long-term extension. Discussions around a lucrative extension are already underway, with reports suggesting that Smith could be in line for a record-breaking contract for an interior lineman.
Smith’s performance has not gone unnoticed by fans and players around the league. He earned his second consecutive Pro Bowl selection in 2024, becoming one of the few guards to achieve this feat before turning 24. Additionally, he’s been named a top candidate for the NFL’s newly introduced “Protector of the Year” award, which honors the league’s best offensive lineman. And he’s even bagged an All-Pro honor in 2023, the guy just plays at a high level.
Outlook for 2025
As the Cowboys hope for success in...
