5 Cowboys who could be entering their final season with the franchise in 2023
By Randy Gurzi
3. Cowboys LT Tyron Smith
Tyron Smith ushered in a new era for Dallas when he was taken at No. 9 overall in the 2011 NFL Draft. When they made him their pick in the first round, he became their first offensive lineman taken in Round 1 under Jerry Jones — and he was the first the franchise took since 1981.
Fun fact: When the #Cowboys drafted Tyron Smith in the first round in 2011, it was the first time since 1981 when the club selected G Howard Richards that they took an offensive lineman in Round 1.
— Mark Lane (@therealmarklane) April 28, 2020
Since then, they've made it a priority to have top-tier talent on the offensive line as they took Travis Frederick in 2013, Zack Martin in 2014, and now Tyler Smith in 2022 all in the opening round. Heading into the 2023 season, three of those players are still on the roster with both Smiths as well as Martin expected to start.
As for Tyron Smith, he's been one of the best offensive tackles in the NFL for more than a decade but he's also had a hard time staying on the field. He hasn't played a full slate of games since 2015 and that includes missing 14 games in 2020 and 13 last year.
Still, he's coming back after restructuring his deal but that contract will run out following this season. Chances are, the Cowboys would love to keep Smith until the day he retires and if he has another injury-plagued season, that could happen after 2023. But the truth is, they're going to need to re-sign Terence Steele — who was their top offensive lineman overall in 2022 — and get Tyler Smith on the left side.
That means it could be the end of an era for No. 77.