It appears that the biggest need for the Dallas Cowboys this offseason isn't at linebacker, where the unit was severely undersized, but along the offensive line.
Well, OK, maybe both.
But certainly, the future of Tyron Smith has dominated some of the thought process for most and it is quite interesting.
Given Smith's age, one could see the value in moving on, but when healthy, he played at an All-Pro level this season. Our own Mike Fisher detailed the "handing the keys" to Tyron situation next season and banking on his health as "Tyron Wednesdays" became a thing this year.
But can the Cowboys continue to rely on an aging Smith again?
We are seeing mock drafts push for a move-on. In one, Dallas picks Tyron's successor in Arizona's Jordan Morgan.
"Tyron Smith will be a free agent this offseason unless he re-signs," CBS Sports writes. "If he is not back, then Dallas has a choice to start former first-round selection Tyler Smith at left tackle or keep him at guard and draft a tackle. Jordan Morgan has background playing on the edge, but his future may lie inside."
What has perhaps led most to feel that the Cowboys will draft Smith's replacement is that when he is out of the starting lineup, Dallas' offensive line looked like a shell of itself.
Yet, when Tyron was healthy and playing, Dak Prescott's blindside was protected as well as any quarterback's in football. Tyler Smith was initially drafted to play left tackle but has found a home at guard.
By drafting Morgan from Arizona, who earned All-PAC-12 honors in 2023 and has superb pass protection skills, the Cowboys will be getting an insurance policy on Tyron and will not be putting all their eggs in his basket next season. Additionally, Morgan could be a more viable option than the likes of Chuma Edoga to protect Dak.
Teams draft a quarterback before they "need" one, could the Cowboys do the same and take a left tackle for the future before they need one?
In that sense, there is no "disrespect'' here. Tyron is 33 - that makes a decision about re-signing any player a challenging one.
Let's not forget, Tyron is still Tyron, but he only has so much juice left in the tank, and drafting Morgan - or any such viable heir - could be a good insurance policy when/if the ageless wonder at left tackle decides to call it a day.
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