Cowboys Sign LT Tyron Smith To An Eight-Year Extension

July 30, 2014

Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network first reported that the Cowboys are in the process of finalizing a “mega-extension” for LT Tyron Smith.

Rapoport reports that Smith will receive an eight-year contract worth $98 million.
After factoring in Smith’s current contract, he’ll be under team control through the 2023 season, and the total value of the agreement sits at $109 million, according to Rapoport.
Adam Schefter reports that Smith will receive $40 million guaranteed and a $10 million signing bonus.
Todd Archer points out that this is the largest non-quarterback contract in team history.
The Cowboys have already announced the agreement.

Statement from Tyron Smith, per Costa Sports Mktg:

“Late last week, the Cowboys approached me with a deal I told my agents I wanted to sign. My agents explained the pros and cons of this deal versus one that may be shorter term and/or higher guarantee. After careful consideration, I decided this long term deal was exactly what I wanted. Over the past three years, the Cowboys organization and Jones Family have helped me through trying times and I felt this was my opportunity to return the gratitude. I am beyond grateful for the Cowboys staff, my teammates, and the fans, and wanted to ensure I was locked in as a “Cowboy for Life”. I want to thank everyone for their support and look forward to having a star on my helmet for the remainder of my career.“

Smith, still only 23 years old, is now the second 2011 first-round pick to sign a long-term agreement in the past 24 hours after the Cardinals locked up CB Patrick Peterson to five-year extension worth $70 million last night.

The Cowboys made it clear that Smith was a priority for him, so it’s really not all that surprising to see them get a deal done before the start of the season.

Pro Football Focus graded Smith as the fifth-best tackle in the league last season, allowing only one sack, three QB hits, and 27 QB hurries.

Next up for Dallas is WR Dez Bryant, who is in the final year of his rookie contract.