The future of Tyron Smith continues to be a topic of discussion as some experts wonder if the team could look to trade the eight-time Pro Bowl left tackle.
Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay suggested a trade proposal that has the Cowboys sending Smith to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
“While Smith is still undeniably productive on the field—he made his eighth Pro Bowl last year despite appearing in just 11 games—his spotty availability, rising costs and readily available replacement could render him expendable,” Kay wrote on June 15.
“…While Dallas may not field many offers for Smith because of concerns about his health, there is precedent for aging tackles to return a decent haul of draft capital. A 31-year-old Trent Williams netted third- and fifth-round picks, and Duane Brown was traded for second- and third-rounders when he was 32 years old.
“Getting back a third-rounder for Smith would be a win for the Cowboys, and a team like the Pittsburgh Steelers should be happy to oblige. The Steelers had PFF’s No. 26-rated offensive line in 2021 while deploying ineffective rookie Dan Moore Jr. at left tackle.”
Kay went on to say that Dallas already has Smith’s replacement in-line.
“By drafting Tyler Smith, the No. 24 pick this year, Dallas has its heir-apparent at left tackle in place. … The Cowboys could speed up the transition by moving on from the incumbent starter before training camp even begins. … Getting back a third-rounder for Smith would be a win for the Cowboys, and a team like the Pittsburgh Steelers should be happy to oblige. …
Upgrading from [Dan Moore Jr.] to Smith would be a major boon for the Steelers as they prepare for life in the post-Ben Roethlisberger era. Even if he’s not available for all 17 games, Smith’s presence would allow Moore to further develop as a backup before returning as the full-time starter in a couple years.”
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Smith missed six games last season with injuries and only played in a combined 13 games over the past two years. His long-term availability has been questioned after the veteran tackle has missed at least three games in six straight seasons.
Smith is a former first-round pick of the Cowboys back in 2011. He signed a ten-year, $109 million contract with Dallas back in 2014 that included $40 million guaranteed.
In 2021, Smith has started 11 games for the Cowboys at left tackle. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 2 tackle out of 82 qualifying players.
