4 Cowboys Who have Already Earned Contract Extensions With 2023 Play

3. Tyron Smith

The Cowboys had to make several moves in the offseason to get under the salary cap, which included restructuring Tyron Smith's contract.

The changes opened up $9.6 million in cap space as the veteran offensive tackle went from a $13.6 million base salary to a $3 million base with a $3 million signing bonus and up to $11 million in playtime and playoff incentives.

The biggest reason for the changes was Smith's health. When he's available and healthy, he's one of the best tackles in the NFL, as evidenced by his eight Pro Bowl appearances and four All-Pro nods. Unfortunately, he hasn't been the shining example of good health in a while, missing an average of 6.4 games per season from 2016 to 2022.

Although he's already missed 2 games so far in 2023, Smith appears to have returned to form. He's lined up for 239 offensive snaps across 4 outings, taking 1 penalty without allowing a sack and earning a 76.5 overall grade on Pro Football Focus.

For comparison, Smith recorded a 58.6 grade with 1 sack allowed on 271 snaps in as many games last year.

This season is Smith's 13th with Dallas and it's impossible to imagine him elsewhere. Fortunately, his strong play this season should be enough to help him continue (and possibly end) his career here.