Micah Parsons reported to the Dallas Cowboys training camp this week, drawing widespread attention due to his ongoing contract negotiations that reportedly exceed $40 million per year. Meanwhile, Tyler Smith, the Cowboys’ left guard, delivers a contrasting message through his quiet dedication and consistent performance, underscoring the importance of foundational players even amidst high-profile contract disputes. The Micah Parsons Cowboys contract message currently dominates headlines, but Smith’s unspoken influence suggests a deeper story at play.
Tyler Smith’s Quiet Resolve in the Midst of Contract Storm
While Micah Parsons’s contract saga feels like a high-stakes, explosive event commanding all eyes in Oxnard, California, Tyler Smith maintains a calm and focused approach. Smith did not engage in contract drama, simply stating when asked about his negotiations,
“I can only control what I can control. And that’s coming and working.”
This statement reflects a grounded mindset amidst the turmoil surrounding the team’s star linebacker.
Smith’s path has been defined by perseverance—from overcoming Blount’s disease and recovering from severe leg surgery as a teenager to establishing himself as one of the NFL’s premier offensive guards. His unwavering commitment contrasts sharply with the high-profile nature of Parsons’s contract talks, emphasizing Smith’s role as a stabilizing force.
“I can only control what I can control. And that’s coming and working.” —Tyler Smith, Left Guard, Dallas Cowboys
His performance statistics underscore his elite status: 47 consecutive starts, only two sacks allowed over more than 1,000 pass-block snaps during the 2024 season, and just 13 penalties across three seasons. Smith blends remarkable strength—benching 225 pounds approximately 70 times in one session—with refined technique, making him a key figure in the Cowboys’ offensive line reshaping following Zack Martin’s impending retirement.
Building a Legacy Beyond the Spotlight
Zack Martin, the veteran offensive lineman nearing retirement, shared a moment with Smith that epitomizes the passing of the torch within the Cowboys’ offensive line. Martin counseled Smith to “always be an ascending player,” advice that Smith embraces as a daily mantra to improve himself and elevate those around him. He takes on a mentorship role for rookies like Tyler Booker, helping to sustain the line’s competitive strength.
“I take that as work to make yourself better each and every day, and ultimately, I want to not only do that, but work to make everybody around me better each day.” —Tyler Smith, Left Guard, Dallas Cowboys
Smith’s reliability provides crucial protection for quarterback Dak Prescott, contributing to one of the NFL’s lowest pressure rates allowed by guards. In a league that often spotlights quarterbacks and edge rushers, Smith represents the essential and often overlooked interior fortress that underpins the Cowboys’ offensive success.
Tyler Smith’s Role as the Cowboys’ Essential Foundation
Unlike Parsons’ contract negotiation, which resembles intense tactical maneuvering, Smith’s approach is methodical and consistent. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has acknowledged Smith’s physical strength, likening him to the legendary Larry Allen, though not as a player but as a force, signaling the organization’s appreciation for Smith’s value. With his fifth-year option for 2026 already secured at $23.4 million, the team faces the financial challenge of extending this homegrown talent before he reaches free agency.
“Not as a player… but he is strong. We are pleased.” —Jerry Jones, Dallas Cowboys Owner
Smith’s current salary of approximately $2.53 million for 2025 is a significant bargain relative to his contribution, making it imperative for the Cowboys to avoid the mistake of letting him reach the open market. His performances strengthen the team’s foundation in ways that may not be as flashy as Parsons’s but are equally critical. Smith’s quiet leadership and elite play provide the building blocks for Dallas’s offensive line future.
Micah Parsons Roars, Tyler Smith Anchors
While Parsons’s name draws intense focus due to his contract status and Defensive Player of the Year candidacy, the quieter presence of Tyler Smith holds the offensive line’s core steady. Smith’s every snap embodies the legacy passed down by Martin and reflects an essential message to owner Jerry Jones: that the Cowboys’ foundation deserves as much attention and investment as their star edge rusher.
Securing Parsons’s extension remains crucial, but not at the expense of overlooking Smith’s pivotal role in the Cowboys’ championship aspirations. Smith’s ongoing effort and contribution form the indispensable counterbalance ensuring the offensive line’s stability regardless of how loudly contract negotiations dominate the news.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Was Micah Parsons a 5 star?
A. He was a highly sought-after athlete, earning a five-star status. According to 247Sports.com, he was ranked fourth in his class, while ESPN placed him at seventh.
Q. Why does Micah Parsons wear 11?
A. When Parsons chose to wear the number 11 jersey, he showed respect for past players and his commitment to Penn State football’s strong tradition.