Tyler Smith reveals mindset amid potential contract extension

Just two days before the season opener, contract extensions are still the talk of the Dallas Cowboys. Not just Micah Parsons either, as cornerback DaRon Bland just got a deal done. And next up for the Cowboys could wind up being All-Pro left guard Tyler Smith.

Discussions surrounding contracts can wind up being a major distraction for players. So when Smith was asked about the possibility of a new deal on Tuesday, he revealed his mindset moving forward. For now, all his focus is on facing the Philadelphia Eagles.

“Obviously, everything will happen in due time,” Smith said via Jon Machota of The Athletic. “I think the most important thing for us is just focusing on Thursday.”

Playing the Eagles comes with plenty of challenges. Arguably no team in the NFL has invested more in its defensive line than Philadelphia. It’s a big reason they wound up winning the Super Bowl, getting after Patrick Mahomes on a routine basis.

Smith believes the Cowboys are going to be the more physical team in order to emerge victorious. It’s a theme from head coach Brian Schottenheimer throughout camp. How well the message has translated will reveal itself right away for the entire Dallas offensive line.

“Obviously they have a talented defensive front, defending champions and whatnot,” Smith said. “I think the biggest key though, is physicality. Ultimately, I think that’s what this game is gonna come down to is just who’s the most violent in the trenches. And I think that’s something that we’ve embraced this whole training camp and this whole offseason. And it’s something that we’re gonna put on display on Thursday.”

Win or lose against Philly, Smith is going to have a nice payday heading his way at some point. A former first-round pick of the Cowboys, he was originally taken to be the franchise’s next left tackle. However, tue to Tyron Smith still being on the roster, the younger Smith was moved inside to guard.

He has not moved back ever since. Fellow youngster, Tyler Guyton, plays next to Smith these days — a duo the Cowboys hope remains for years to come.

Something to note about this process is who represents Smith. David Mulugheta, who is the same agent of Parsons. Both he and Jerry Jones have insisted there are no personal bad feelings between them but still, fresh off a controversy, you have to take it into consideration.