4 Players the Dallas Cowboys need to cut before 2021
By Randy Gurzi
3. Tyron Smith, Left Tackle
There was a time when Tyron Smith was one of the best left tackles in the game. The former No. 9 overall pick out of USC in 2011, Smith was just 20 years old when he landed in Big D and it didn’t take long for him to become a star. He held his own against the best edge rushers in the game and was the anchor to what was once considered the premier O-line in the NFL.
More from NFL Spin Zone
- Dallas Cowboys made the trade everyone else should have made
- Pittsburgh Steelers rookie sleeper everyone should be talking about
- Anthony Richardson putting jaw-dropping talent on display immediately
- Denver Broncos’ stud wide receiver might be out for a while
- Washington Commanders: Three takeaways from win over Ravens
Now in 2020, Smith has become a player who can’t be relied upon. He missed three games in each season from 2016 through 2019 and there were some games where the Cowboys offensive line was a disaster without him. For that reason, they forked out a lot of money for a swing tackle in Cam Fleming, knowing he would be needed.
Fleming is now gone in 2020 and this would have been the best season to have him as Smith was only able to play in two games before heading to the IR with a neck injury. This is in addition to injuries he’s already suffered on his knee, hip, and back in the past.
Smith’s talent has never been in question but his durability has. Should Dallas continue to ride with Smith, they will again have to invest heavily into a backup since the odds are high that he will again miss time. In the end, the better move would be to part ways with Smith and find someone who they know can suit up every week.