Entering last offseason, one of the Dallas Cowboys' biggest storylines was the future of Hall of Fame left tackle Tyron Smith. Then 33-year-old was coming off back-to-back seasons with injuries, prompting many fans to predict he would retire. However, there was always a chance Smith could choose to play one more season outside of Dallas.
Ultimately, he signed with the Jets. After a disappointing campaign in New York, the former All-Pro tackle decided to walk away from football.
Last week, the Cowboys signed former Washington Commanders tackle Saahdiq Charles. The former fourth-round pick who spent last season with the Titans immediately showed that he wasn't intimidated by the new challenge and chose to wear Smith's number 77.
This didn't sit well with former Cowboys cornerback Jourdan Lewis, who showed his disgust in a post on X. Lewis quote-tweeted the post sharing Charles' number, saying, " Just like that, huh".
Just like that, huh. https://t.co/9scSifZYgO
— Jourdan Lewis (@JourdanJD) April 18, 2025
Former Cowboy Jourdan Lewis Shocked Over New Addition's Jersey Choice
Lewis's anger at Dallas allowing Charles to wear 77 is justifiable. The former University of Michigan star spent seven seasons with Smith and understands what he meant to the locker room and city. Furthermore, Smith was one of the best linemen to ever play the game, so giving his number to someone new right after he retires does feel disrespectful.
Although Dallas should definitely consider retiring Smith's number at some point, given it's only been a few months since he retired, that wasn't possible. Still, Cowboys brass could have told Charles he needed to select a different number.
That said, Charles's choice of 77 puts the spotlight directly on him. If he doesn't perform up to the standards, Cowboys fans will rip him apart.
Hopefully, Charles' number choice is not what fans are talking about at the end of the season, because if it is, that means Dallas' offensive line didn't play well in 2025.