The Landry Hat
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3 contracts the Cowboys should restructure to save cap space

By Jerry Trotta

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 26: DeMarcus Lawrence #90 of the Dallas Cowboys leads the pregame huddle against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on September 26, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 26: DeMarcus Lawrence #90 of the Dallas Cowboys leads the pregame huddle against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on September 26, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Cooper Neill/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
(Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

2. Tyron Smith, LT

There’s been some speculation in regards to whether Smith might retire after another injury-plagued season. Jerry Jones ended that speculation last week by telling reporters the veteran tackle will be back in 2023, however.

While Smith is one of the best tackles of his generation and a future Hall of Famer, he’s currently projected to have the fourth-highest cap hit ($17.65 million) on the team in 2023. That isn’t justifiable for a guy who hasn’t played a full season since 2016, and a total of 17 games over the last three seasons.

According to Over The Cap, the Cowboys would save $6.217 million by restructuring Smith’s contract. Conversely, they would free up $13.6 million by releasing Smith after June 1, while taking just $4.005 million in dead money to the chin.

We’ve noticed some fans banging the drum for Smith’s release. While the cap savings are undeniable, and Tyler Smith looked the part as a rookie, Terence Steele might not be ready for the start of the season, and (the elder) Smith got more comfortable at RT with more reps near the end of the season.

He’s worth keeping for another season.

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