The Dallas Cowboys’ decision to place the franchise tag on offensive lineman Tyler Smith has sent shockwaves across the NFL, creating a ripple effect that has instantly reshaped the league’s landscape. Smith, who has emerged as one of the most dominant young linemen in the game, is now set to earn a hefty one-year salary, but the ramifications of this move extend far beyond Dallas. Teams, players, and even the upcoming NFL Draft have been impacted by this decision, creating clear winners and losers.

The Situation

Tyler Smith, the Cowboys’ first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, has quickly established himself as a cornerstone of their offensive line. His versatility, athleticism, and physicality have made him a key piece of Dallas’ offense, and the team was determined to keep him in the fold. However, with contract negotiations stalling, the Cowboys opted to use the franchise tag to retain Smith for at least one more season.

The franchise tag for offensive linemen in 2024 is projected to be around $18 million, a significant investment for a player who has yet to reach his prime. While the move ensures Smith remains a Cowboy for now, it has created a series of ripple effects across the league.

Winners

1. Dallas Cowboys: The Cowboys retain one of their most valuable assets, ensuring that quarterback Dak Prescott has reliable protection and the running game has a dominant force up front. Smith’s presence on the offensive line is critical to the team’s success.

2. Tyler Smith: Smith gets a massive payday, earning top-tier money for his position. The franchise tag also gives him another year to prove his value and potentially secure a long-term deal, either with the Cowboys or another team.

3. Other Top Offensive Linemen: Smith’s franchise tag sets a precedent for other elite offensive linemen seeking new contracts. Players like Creed Humphrey, Rashawn Slater, and Penei Sewell could use Smith’s tag as leverage in their own negotiations.

4. Teams in Need of Offensive Line Help: With Smith off the market, teams looking to add an offensive lineman in free agency or the draft may find better value. The Cowboys’ decision to tag Smith means one fewer team competing for top-tier offensive line talent.

Losers

1. Teams Hoping to Sign Smith: Several teams, including the Cincinnati Bengals and New York Jets, were reportedly interested in pursuing Smith in free agency. With him off the market, they’ll have to look elsewhere to address their offensive line needs.

2. The Offensive Line Market: While Smith benefits from the franchise tag, the move reinforces the league-wide trend of teams prioritizing the retention of elite offensive linemen. This could drive up the price for other top linemen in free agency, making it harder for teams to address their needs.

3. The 2024 NFL Draft: The offensive line class in this year’s draft is considered deep and talented, with prospects like Joe Alt, Olu Fashanu, and Taliese Fuaga expected to be early-round picks. However, with Smith and other veteran linemen likely to remain with their teams via the franchise tag, the demand for rookie offensive linemen could decrease, potentially causing some prospects to slide down draft boards.

4. Dak Prescott and the Cowboys’ Cap Space: While retaining Smith is a win for the Cowboys’ offense, the $18 million franchise tag will eat into their salary cap space, limiting their ability to address other needs in free agency. This could force the team to make tough decisions elsewhere on the roster.

   

Draft Ramifications

The Cowboys’ decision to tag Smith has significant implications for the 2024 NFL Draft. With fewer teams in the market for veteran offensive linemen, the demand for rookie linemen could decrease, potentially causing some highly touted prospects to fall to later rounds. This could create opportunities for teams to find value in the middle rounds, but it also means that offensive linemen may have to wait longer to hear their names called.

Additionally, teams that miss out on Smith and other top free-agent linemen may be more inclined to trade up in the draft to secure their preferred prospect. This could lead to increased activity and unpredictability on draft day, as teams jockey for position to land the next star offensive lineman.

What’s Next for Smith and the Cowboys?

While the franchise tag ensures Smith remains in Dallas for at least one more season, the long-term future remains uncertain. The Cowboys could still negotiate a long-term deal with Smith, but the $18 million tag gives them leverage to wait and see how he performs in 2024 before committing significant resources.

For Smith, the tag is both a blessing and a curse. While he earns a substantial salary, he also faces the pressure of proving he’s worth a long-term investment. Another standout season could secure his future, but any decline in performance could hurt his value on the open market.

Conclusion

Tyler Smith’s franchise tag has created a complex web of winners and losers across the NFL. While the Cowboys and Smith himself benefit in the short term, the decision has far-reaching implications for the offensive line market, the 2024 NFL Draft, and the league as a whole. As the offseason unfolds, the ripple effects of this move will continue to shape the landscape of the NFL.