Former First-Round Pick Named as Potential Tyron Smith Replacement

It has been one month since free agency started and the Dallas Cowboys have been one of the quietest teams of the offseason. Not only did they fail to make any splashy signings, but they also couldn't retain some of their most important starters. One of the key veterans they lost was offensive tackle Tyron Smith.

The longest-tenured Cowboy and one of the best tackles in the league, Smith signed with the New York Jets this offseason, leaving Dallas with a major hole in their offensive line.

Unsurprisingly, Jerry Jones and the Cowboys haven't addressed that need yet and the time is dwindling as the free-agent market is shrinking.

According to Bleacher Report, however, there is still one offensive tackle available on the market that the Cowboys can sign to replace their All-Pro star.

Matt Holder of the Bleacher Report identified one free agent who can help each team. For Dallas, his pick was the former first-round pick Mekhi Becton.

Becton was one of the most promising tackle prospects to come into the NFL in recent years. When the Jets selected him with the 11th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, he was considered to be a franchise cornerstone in New York. However, injuries significantly derailed his career, forcing him to play only one game for the entire 2021 and 2022 seasons.

He returned to action for the Jets in 2023 and was healthy the entire season but had a miserable campaign, giving up 12 sacks and eight QB hits, while recording 18 penalties. He finished with 56.3 run blocking and 60.7 pass blocking grades for the season on PFF.

It's hard to get excited about those numbers. However, it was Becton's first healthy season in three years and he is still only 25 years old. A change of scenery and a fresh start away from the dysfunctionality of the Jets could do him wonders. Plus, he would allow Tyler Smith to stay in his preferred position at left guard instead of moving things around on the offensive line.

The Cowboys can't afford to make any more mistakes the rest of the offseason. What they decide to do with their offensive line will determine how far they will go next season. They are currently slightly favored (+125) to win the NFC East over the Eagles. Head over to FanDuel Sportsbook now to take advantage of these odds. Don't forget to claim your sign-up offer of $200 in bonus bets after your first winning wager.

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