6 Cowboys Fans Will Be Sad to See Leave in Free Agency

3. Tyron Smith, Left Tackle

This one is a bit of a mixed bag. There's no denying Tyron Smith can still play and when he's on the field, he helps this offense tremendously. The problem is that he's missed so many games that it's hard to depend on him.

In 2023, Smith ended playing in 13 games which was the most we have seen out of him since 2015. In fact, he played in 13 games every year from 2016 through 2019. Then the injuries really started to pile up as he missed 14 games in 2020, six in 2021, 13 in 2022, and finally four this past season.

Now, to be fair, if they got 13 games out of Smith that would be worth it. The problem is, as long as he's been under contract, the front office hasn't been consistent about getting a solid backup. They had Cam Fleming a few years back who did well but this past season, it was Chuma Edoga who wasn't always up to the task.

That's why many draft experts think the Cowboys will pull the trigger early on — perhaps even with a pick in Round 1. If so, that would spell the end for Smith who is the longest-tenured player on the team. A case can be made that they have to move on but that doesn't mean anyone will be happy seeing the No. 9 pick from the 2011 NFL Draft heading elsewhere.