Story perspectives

Cowboys Make Tyler Smith NFL's Highest-Paid Guard

9/13/2025

Summary

Story summary

The Dallas Cowboys signed left guard Tyler Smith to a four-year, $96 million contract extension, making him the highest-paid guard in NFL history.
The deal includes $81.2 million guaranteed and averages $24 million annually.
Smith, 24, was the 24th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft and has started every game since.
He earned Pro Bowl selections in 2023 and 2024 after transitioning from left tackle to left guard.
This extension aligns with the Cowboys' strategy to retain key players following the trade of star pass rusher Micah Parsons.

History

Historical Context

The NFL's collective bargaining agreement in 2011 introduced a salary cap, reshaping player contracts and team strategies. The Dallas Cowboys, valued at $8 billion in 2021, have historically focused on high-value contracts, exemplified by Tyron Smith's $97.6 million deal in 2014 and Tyler Smith's $96 million extension. This approach underscores the critical link between financial decisions and team competitiveness in the NFL.

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Story summary

The Dallas Cowboys signed left guard Tyler Smith to a four-year, $96 million contract extension, making him the highest-paid guard in NFL history.
The deal includes $81.2 million guaranteed and averages $24 million annually.
Smith, 24, was the 24th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft and has started every game since.
He earned Pro Bowl selections in 2023 and 2024 after transitioning from left tackle to left guard.
This extension aligns with the Cowboys' strategy to retain key players following the trade of star pass rusher Micah Parsons.

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