Mike McCarthy addresses Tyron Smith’s durability as he makes return to left tackle

On the first day of Cowboys mandatory minicamp, Dallas head coach Mike McCarthy revealed that veteran offensive lineman Tyron Smith will practice once again at left tackle.

Smith involuntarily forfeited his position on the line last season when he suffered an injury during training camp that knocked him out until December. In his absence, rookie Tyler Smith took over at left tackle, and didn’t surrender the spot again.

Preparing for any number of injuries that could occur during the 2023 season, the former All-Pro tackle is practicing at left tackle on Tuesday while the younger Smith is taking over at left guard.

Asked whether he believes the team can count on the veteran to play 17 regular season games this year, McCarthy said he’s doing everything he needs to do so far.

“Tyron’s been here every day,” McCarthy said. “Five days in the weight room. He’s definitely preparing himself for that.”

Despite his injury history, the veteran OL showed his value when Dallas need it most in 2022. After returning from a preseason injury, Smith slotted in at right tackle for the first time in more than a decade due to the injury to Terence Steele. After the season, the tackle underwent minor surgery on his knee.

As the Cowboys wait for Steele’s return, likely during training camp, flex tackle Matt Waletzko is sliding in at right tackle for Monday’s practice. Offensive lineman Josh Ball will continue working at right guard along with Zack Martin.

Cowboys restructure Smith’s contract

The Cowboys followed through on a contract restructure this offseason for Smith. For a 12th-year veteran who’s missed significant time over the last few seasons, his cap hit made him a potential casualty this offseason if the two sides couldn’t agree to terms.

The veteran agreed to a very team-friendly deal that is laden with incentives. Originally, the former All-Pro left tackle had a $17.6 million cap hit coming for the 2023 season for his $13.6 million salary. Now, Smith has the opportunity to make even more money – but only if he plays a lot.

According to NFL insider Tom Pelissero, Smith agreed to a $3 million signing bonus and a $3 million base salary that the team fully guaranteed. He could get up to $9 million more via playing time incentives and $2 million additionally as a playoff incentive. The contract restructuring clears $9.6 million in cap space for Dallas in 2023.

The former first-round draft pick out of USC signed an eight-year contract extension worth $97.6 million in 2015. He will be an unrestricted free agent ahead of the 2024 season.

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