There is only one game left in the Dallas Cowboys' season. Pretty soon, the page will fully turn to the offseason, which is shaping up to be the biggest in recent memory for Jerry Jones.
While the Cowboys' defense will look much different next year, including at defensive coordinator, there's little reason to worry about the offense. With that said, Tyler Smith's future is a sneaky storyline that could cause some friction within the organization.
One of the best left guards in the game, Smith is finishing the season at left tackle with starter Tyler Guyton on injured reserve. That has led to a larger discussion about Dallas converting Guyton to right tackle and making Smith a full-time left tackle.
While Smith has said he'll do what's best for the team, it sure sounds like he'd prefer to remain at left guard.
"I’m an All-Pro guard, bro," Smith said. "That’s the simple truth. … We’ll see what happens. We’ll have those conversations. Gotta see where everybody’s head is at.”
Cowboys' Tyler Smith sounds like he wants to keep playing left guard
No need to read between the lines there.
It's easy to say that Smith playing left tackle will "fix" the offensive line, but there is a lot behind this decision than just Smith agreeing to make the switch.
For starters, he signed a four-year, $96 million extension before the season. The $24 million per year average is the most of any guard. It's life-changing money that Smith is undoubtedly grateful for, but it pales in comparison to what left tackles make.
READ MORE: Emmitt Smith says what the NFL is afraid to say out loud about the Cowboys
For context, Smith's $24 million AAV would make him the sixth-highest-paid LT, while his $41.66 million in fully guaranteed money would slot in ninth among LTs.
That's a significant difference, and there isn't a clause in his contract that would compensate him if he moves from guard to tackle. That's because it is illegal under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, per Clarence Hill Jr. of All-City DLLS, who spoke to Smith's representative.
If the plan to move Smith to LT next season picks up steam, his camp and the front office will have to address his contract. A holdout could enter the equation if Jerry Jones isn't serious about compensating Smith for converting to one of the game's premium positions.
This has the potential to get messy, which says a lot considering that Smith is as easy-going and non-combative as they come. He's willing to do what's best for the team, but he is fully aware of the difference between tackle money and guard money.