The Cowboys are turning the page to the offseason along with most of the other teams in the NFL, and one legendary former Dallas player is apparently considering retirement.
Jets LT Tyron Smith, who spent the first 13 seasons of a career with the Cowboys, told reporters that he needed to decide within the next couple of weeks. He’s been limited in each of the last five years due to various injuries though is widely regarded as one of the best of his generation.
A five-time All-Pro and eight-time Pro Bowler, Smith set the standard for left tackle play. This was his first year in New York and the team struggled though, adding weight to the decision for the pending free agent.
Former Cowboys LT Tyron Smith Considering Retirement
Tyron Smith says he's considering retirement: "I've got to make a lot of decisions going forward. Within the next couple weeks, I have to decide what I'm going to do as far as playing or not playing."
Smith says he feels fine, finally has full range of motion back in his neck.…
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) January 6, 2025
Despite dealing with a nagging neck issue, Smith still ranked as the 30th-best tackle out of 141 qualified players in Pro Football Focus’ database. He was a second-team All-Pro in 2023, clearly showing that he still has the ability to perform at a high level when healthy.
That said, he’s 34 years old and has only played 40 games in the last five seasons. If he doesn’t want to put further strain on his body, no one could blame him.
Originally a first-round pick in the 2011 NFL Draft, Smith was one of the most dominant Cowboys players of the last 20 years. He’ll always be fondly remembered in Dallas and who knows, perhaps he could find himself on a contending team. Plenty of offensive lines have issues at left tackle, and few are as accomplished as Smith.
He’ll have a lot to decide and will evaluate all of his options. Should he choose to retire, he has a fantastic Hall of Fame case, and winning a Super Bowl may push him over the top.
Either way, Smith is one of the greatest players in franchise history and a true representation of the Cowboys.
