Tyler Smith secures $96M extension as Cowboys break the bank for their star guard

When it comes to keeping your quarterback upright, the Dallas Cowboys aren’t messing around. They just opened the vault for guard Tyler Smith, handing him a jaw-dropping 4-year, $96 million extension with a whopping $81.2 million guaranteed.

That puts Smith at the very top of the NFL guard market, paying him $24 million per year, the highest average salary ever for the position. In short: Dallas just told the league that protecting Dak Prescott and running the offense through Smith is worth every penny.

Cowboys reward Tyler Smith with a record-breaking extension

This deal isn’t just big, it’s historic. Smith’s extension makes him the highest-paid guard in the NFL, surpassing recent deals like Trey Smith’s $94M contract and Chris Lindstrom’s $20.5M annual average.

The Cowboys clearly see their 2022 first-round pick as more than just a solid lineman, they see him as a cornerstone for the future. With over $81 million guaranteed, Smith has financial security, and Dallas has long-term stability at one of the most important positions on the field.

Back in 2022, when the Cowboys drafted Tyler Smith in the first round, many weren’t sure if he could live up to the hype. But in just three years, he’s proven himself as one of the most reliable and dominant guards in football.

The Cowboys already picked up his fifth-year option for 2026 earlier this year, signaling their trust. Now, this record-setting extension is the ultimate confirmation, Smith is here to stay, and he’s the heart of Dallas’ offensive line.

How the deal stacks up against other top NFL guards

To really understand how massive this deal is, you’ve got to look at the market. Chris Lindstrom was the previous top earner at guard, making about $20.5M annually. Robert Hunt’s deal sits around $20M per year.

Trey Smith recently inked a $94M deal, but Tyler Smith just leapfrogged them all with $24M AAV. It’s official: no guard in the NFL is earning more than Smith, and the gap is significant. Dallas didn’t just match the market, they reset it.

By paying Smith, the Cowboys are locking down the trenches, ensuring Prescott (or whoever is under center long-term) has elite protection. But big money brings big pressure. This also signals the Cowboys’ willingness to spend big on their core, which matters with a looming mega-deal for defensive star Micah Parsons down the road. For now, though, Smith’s payday shows Dallas is prioritizing stability, toughness, and long-term success in the trenches.Also read - Quinshon Judkins makes NFL debut after Browns activate him ahead of Ravens matchup