Cowboys chief operating officer Stephen Jones, spoke up on a number of issues earlier this week at the NFL Scouting Combine; this included former All-Pro tackle, Tyron Smith. When asked whether their 12- year veteran is going to return for 2023, Jones plainly replied “yes.” He then spoke of Tyler Smith’s ability to play inside at guard and how much he values the versatility of his offensive line.
The veteran Smith has long been a left tackle, but played primarily on the right side in 2022. After Terence Steele went down to a season-ending injury, it was Smith who took over, playing on the right for the first time since his rookie season. Jones confirmed in his discussion with reporters that Steele is “ahead of schedule” and expected back in time for training camp.
Smith’s return was far from assured for 2023. The 2011 first-round pick is on the books to count $17,605,000 against the salary cap this season and Dallas could have saved $13,600,000 by making him a June 1 cut.