After the failure that the 2020 season represented, it is necessary to return to reality and focus on what is really important. The overriding topic in the Cowboys offices is how to get the Dak Prescott extension. However, it is almost certain that certain sacrifices will have to be made in order to get the money. The salary cap will not be the same thanks to the pandemic and one of those harmed could be offensive tackle Tyron Smith.
It must be made clear that the offensive line suffered greatly from Tyron Smith’s injury in 2020. After missing a few games with a sore neck, he opted to go into surgery and miss the rest of the regular season. In total, there were 14 games where the offensive line certainly suffered. In his place, Brandon Knight was playing, who although he did not do it badly, does not have the profile to be a starter in the position.
#Cowboys LT Tyron Smith has been ruled out for W2 with a neck injury.
Smith’s career grades/rank (2011-2020):
???? 91.5 PFF Grade (7th)
???? 88.1 Pass-Block Grade (10th)
???? 90.7 Run-Block Grade (6th) pic.twitter.com/eH1T11tbiy– PFF (@PFF) September 20, 2020
Likewise, Tyron has an eight-year contract, which he signed in 2014 for a total of $ 109 million, making him the highest-paid offensive lineman at the time. He will be making at least $ 14 million in a somewhat difficult situation for Dallas when it comes to the salary cap.
Now, the detail with Tyron, despite his great performance, has been injuries. Apart from the situation of 2020, from 2016 to 2019 at least three games per campaign have been lost. Based on neck and shoulder discomfort, one of those two areas required surgery last year.
On the other hand, we have the situation of his fellow positioner La’el Collins. Who also missed all of last season due to an injury that required surgery on his hip. The Cowboys could certainly ditch Tyron to save some money for Prescott. But it is still a risky move if Collins doesn’t get to 100% by next season.
Going back on the financial side, Dallas could save at least $ 5.2 million by releasing Tyron before June 1. Also, the amount could go up to $ 10.5 million if they designate it as a cut on June 1. In summary, If you are going to do the operation, it would be best to apply the second option to get more money.
However, some may not quite agree with this move. After all, the offensive lineman has been called up to the Pro Bowl a total of seven times since joining the NFL in 2011. And perhaps there is the possibility of sacrificing someone else, for the same offensive line issue last year. If Smith is released, they could look for a free agent or draft someone, but in both cases it is still a gamble. As long as it can be a responsive item, it could be a huge failure.
Regarding this issue, Executive Vice President Stephen Jones spoke to 105.3 The Fan about the situation of both offensive tackles in early January. His opinion leaves a few things up in the air, so leaving Smith doesn’t seem so unreal at this point.
The #Cowboys ‘feel good’ about both Tyron Smith and La’El Collins returning to full health for 2021 — Stephen Jones tells @1053thefan.
— Patrik [No C] Walker (@VoiceOfTheStar) January 4, 2021
“We feel good about both of them,” Stephen commented. “We’re actually already handling those conversations about the guys and their futures, the ones on our disabled list. You have to analyze aspects such as whether they play a full season or not next year, that they can fully recover and be ready to take the field. As you know, this game is very physical, and you never know what is around the corner, so you have to be prepared. Obviously this year we had more injuries compared to previous years. But those things happen, they are challenges that must be overcome. We will continue to assess our situation and we will certainly make the decision that we believe is in the best interest of getting our team back to where we want it to be. “
Generally speaking, it may be in the offices if you are thinking of leaving Tyron Smith. Especially since it would leave more than 10 million in the salary cap and that could be used in Dak. Failure to reach an agreement with the Marshal (a matter that is already a couple of years old) would have to re-tag the player for the second consecutive year. Unlike the 31.4 million dollars in the first year, this time it will be 37.7 million. Strong decisions will probably have to be made in the coming months, this is what is expected in the short term.
