Dallas Cowboys Sign Tyron Smith To Extension

Photo Credit: Christian Petersen – Getty Images

The Dallas Cowboys have signed left tackle Tyron Smith to an eight-year, $98 million dollar extension, making him the highest paid offensive lineman in the NFL. There is a guaranteed $40 million dollars with his contract including a $10 million dollar signing bonus.

The premier lineman has been protecting Tony Romo’s blindside, allowing just 14 sacks in his career. He was named to his first Pro Bowl last year and should see a lot more in the future. He was also selected to the second-team All-Pro in 2013.

“His work ethic is fantastic. His mental and physical toughness are as good as I’ve been around. He just continues to grow and develop as a player. Technically he’s getting better. He’s getting bigger and stronger. And he’s just tough, competitive. He’s what you want on your football team at a really, really important position,” Head Coach Jason Garrett told ESPN.

The ninth overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, Smith appeared in 47 NFL games so far. He is very athletic and quick on his feet, allowing him to stop more dominant defensive lineman easier. The 23-year-old is locked up through 2023, which will make him just 33 when his contract is up.

Now that Dallas locked up the centerpiece to their offensive line, they can shift their attention towards number one wide receiver Dez Bryant. He joins Arizona Cardinals’ cornerback Patrick Peterson as the second player from the 2011 NFL Draft class to sign a long-term extension.