Dallas, September 15, 2025
News Summary
The Dallas Cowboys have signed left guard Tyler Smith to a four-year contract extension valued at $96 million, featuring $81.2 million guaranteed. The deal elevates Smith to the highest-paid guard in NFL history, reflecting the Cowboys’ commitment to strengthening their offensive line. Securing the 24-year-old starter ensures continuity as the team prepares for upcoming matches while integrating younger talent alongside Smith on the line.
Dallas
The Dallas Cowboys have signed left guard Tyler Smith to a four-year contract extension worth $96 million, with $81.2 million guaranteed, locking him to the team through 2030. The deal carries an average annual value of $24 million, the highest AAV for a guard in the NFL. The Cowboys announced the extension after beginning negotiations early in training camp and after a series of recent roster and salary-cap moves.
Key details and immediate impact
The extension secures a 24-year-old starter who is entering his fourth NFL season. Smith was a first-round pick in 2022 and had two years remaining on his rookie contract before the new deal. He has started every game he has played—47 starts to date—including a full slate of 17 starts at left tackle as a rookie. Smith was selected to the Pro Bowl in both 2023 and 2024.
The Cowboys had exercised Smith’s fifth-year option for 2026, valued at $21.27 million, before completing the new extension. The front-loaded guarantee of $81.2 million and the $24 million AAV establish Smith as the highest-paid guard by average pay, signaling the team’s commitment to keeping him in a core role on the offensive line.
Context within the Cowboys’ roster and payroll moves
Dallas’ move to extend Smith comes as the team retools its offensive line and manages salary-cap flexibility following several major changes. The Cowboys recently traded star pass rusher Micah Parsons to the Green Bay Packers, a move that freed cap space and helped create room for Smith’s contract. The offensive line has also been reshaped by the retirements of long-time starters, including seven-time All-Pro right guard Zack Martin and veteran Tyron Smith.
The current projected starters around Smith include rookie left tackle Tyler Guyton, rookie right guard Tyler Booker, center Cooper Beebe (a 2024 third-round pick), and right tackle Terence Steele. The lineup reflects a mix of veteran presence and youth as the team adjusts to departures and retirements.
Negotiation timeline and comparative contracts
Negotiations with Smith began early in training camp, and the Cowboys moved quickly to finalize terms. Smith’s contract joins other recent extensions for Dallas players, including a $92 million deal for cornerback DaRon Bland and a $52 million extension for tight end Jake Ferguson. Those earlier deals and the Parsons trade were factors in how the team allocated salary-cap resources to retain Smith.
Performance and background
Smith’s on-field durability and performance were central to the team’s decision. He has been a consistent starter since entering the league and is coming off back-to-back Pro Bowl seasons. Smith’s path to the NFL included being a three-star high school recruit and developing into a standout offensive lineman at Tulsa before being drafted in the first round.
Short-term outlook
The extension arrives days before the Cowboys’ scheduled game against the New York Giants, adding certainty to the left guard position as the team prepares for the matchup. The new deal also influences roster planning and line continuity as Dallas integrates younger players into starting roles and plans for long-term offensive-line stability.
What this means for the Cowboys
By securing Smith with a market-leading average value for his position and a high guaranteed amount, Dallas has prioritized interior line stability amid broader changes on both offense and defense. The contract reflects confidence in Smith’s development and availability and positions him as a foundational piece for the team’s offensive front through the remainder of the decade.
FAQ
Q: How long is Tyler Smith’s new contract and what is its total value?
A: The contract is a four-year extension worth $96 million, taking Smith through 2030.
Q: How much of the contract is guaranteed?
A: The deal includes $81.2 million in guaranteed money.
Q: How does Smith’s salary compare to other guards in the NFL?
A: The extension carries an average annual value of $24 million, which is the highest AAV for an NFL guard.
Q: What was Smith’s NFL experience before the extension?
A: Smith is 24 years old, in his fourth season, a 2022 first-round pick, and had started all 47 games he played, with Pro Bowl selections in 2023 and 2024.
Q: How did recent team moves affect the Cowboys’ ability to sign Smith?
A: The trade of Micah Parsons to Green Bay provided salary-cap flexibility that helped the Cowboys complete Smith’s extension. The team also navigated roster changes after the retirements of veteran linemen.
Q: Who are the other key offensive linemen around Smith?
A: The projected group includes Tyler Guyton at left tackle, Tyler Booker at right guard, Cooper Beebe at center, and Terence Steele at right tackle.
Q: When will Smith play next for the Cowboys?
A: The contract came days before a scheduled game against the New York Giants; the extension ensures Smith’s role is settled as the team prepares for that matchup.
Contract and Extension Overview
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Micah Parsons Contract Negotiations Create Uncertainty for Cowboys
Additional Resources
- Dallas Cowboys Official Website
- Sports Illustrated
- ESPN
- Wikipedia: Tyler Smith
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Tyler Smith NFL
Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
DALLAS STAFF WRITER The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
