Details emerge about Tyler Smith’s rookie contract with Cowboys

The Dallas Cowboys rookie minicamps took place over the weekend and it was a chance for the 2022 NFL Draft class and undrafted free agents to get their first NFL reps, meet the team, tour the facility, and more. While what the players did on the field is arguably the most important, several of the draftees had business to do at The Star as well. Many prospects signed their rookie contracts on Thursday and Friday.

That list of players included the Cowboys’ first-rounder Tyler Smith. Dallas selected the Tulsa OT at No. 24 overall in the draft. Some applauded the team for selecting a big, mauler-type player and others were concerned about his rawness and penalties. Regardless of what the critics had to say, the Joneses and their staff firmly stood by their choice of Smith.

On Friday, the Fort Worth native put pen to paper and officially became a Cowboy. Smith signed a four-year rookie contract with $13.38 million. Happy Friday to you, Tyler! The deal is fully guaranteed and contains a fifth-year option. This four-year rookie deal is customary based on the current NFL CBA which requires rookies to sign a four-year deal. Undrafted players can earn three-year deals and become restricted free agents.

Smith himself was surprised to get things moving so quickly. Here’s what he told reporters on Friday:

"“It felt good to get it done. It kind of surprised me. I thought I would be signing a little bit later but I got that done. We are on to business now. No restrictions.”"

Contract details emerge for Cowboys first-rounder Tyler Smith as the draftee entered rookie minicamp

The rookie remained humble. He assured the press that he is “the same guy” he was before and that the money won’t change him. “Money isn’t everything. I got a lot of love for the game. That is my main focus right now,” Smith said.

In addition to signing his first-ever professional contract, Smith got to work on the field. Although Smith primarily played left tackle in college, he started at left guard at camp on Friday. Guard is where the Cowboys have a major need with the departure of Connor Williams. The team also plans to give him reps at left tackle given veteran Tyron Smith is likely to retire in the near future.

Smith admitted that it was different for him to line up at guard, but he felt confident in what he showed to the Cowboys coaches and staff. The draftee has often said that he’s willing to play and line up wherever this team needs him. His performance seemed to impress both reporters and his new head coach:

"“You can see the twitch is something that jumps out at you. I thought he had a really nice day.” – Mike McCarthy"

With an official contract and rookie minicamp in the books, Smith is that much closer to getting his chance to play in the NFL.