3 cutthroat moves Cowboys could make to save $45 million in cap space

1. Cut Tyron Smith ($10.9 million)

We did say cutthroat moves, right? While seemingly everyone would take Smith back at a discount, cutting the veteran tackle would save the Cowboys $10.9 million in cap room. Similarly to releasing Elliott, that sum of money could be the difference between re-signing or extending a younger core player.

The Cowboys started rebuilding their offensive line last offseason by drafting Tulsa product Tyler Smith in the first round. If bringing the elder Smith back means delaying the younger Smith becoming the full-time left tackle, then Dallas should cut the eight-time Pro Bowler and not give it a second thought.

It’s time to transition to the next generation.

Zack Martin is the last of the golden age (2000s version, of course) of Cowboys offensive linemen who are both still playing at a high level and reliable in terms of durability. Smith has played 17 games over the last three years, and has missed at least three games in every season dating back to 2015 (so seven years).

Tyler Smith will be just fine at left tackle, and Dallas could re-sign Jason Peters to start at right tackle until Terence Steele is back from injury.

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