Tyler Smith is now officially a two-time Pro Bowler, and this honor is even sweeter than his first. This time around, the recognition comes with significant financial implications for the Dallas Cowboys’ starting left guard. While his Pro Bowl selection last year was an alternate nod—one that didn’t unlock any notable financial incentives—this year’s selection is far more lucrative. Being named to the Pro Bowl as a starter rather than an alternate means that Smith’s fifth-year option for 2026 has received a significant financial boost.

In 2023, Smith was named to the Pro Bowl after an impressive performance, but he was not on the original ballot. This year, however, he earned his spot from the starting list, which directly impacts his contract in a big way. If the Cowboys decide to exercise Smith’s fifth-year option in the upcoming offseason, it will cost the team a hefty $22,741,000 for the 2026 season. That’s a notable $4.3 million increase compared to what it would have been if Smith had remained an alternate.

This increase stems from the collective bargaining agreement (CBA), which stipulates that players named to the Pro Bowl on the original ballot (not as alternates) are eligible for a fifth-year base salary equal to the transition tender at their position. According to Over the Cap, this means that the Cowboys will be paying significantly more for Smith in 2026 if they choose to pick up his fifth-year option, but it’s a price the team is likely willing to pay for such a dynamic and dependable player.

It’s crucial to note that this fifth-year option is fully guaranteed, meaning that if Dallas exercises it, the team will be committed to the contract for the 2026 season. Even if the Cowboys decide to extend Smith with a long-term deal instead of exercising the option, the Pro Bowl selection still gives his agent increased leverage in negotiations. The extra recognition puts Smith in a much stronger financial position, regardless of whether the team chooses the option or agrees to a new deal.

On the field, Smith has been nothing short of stellar. The second-year player earned second-team All-Pro honors in 2023, showcasing his continued growth and development. Beyond his exceptional play, Smith has emerged as a key leader in the locker room, a role that is only expected to expand in the coming years, especially if future Hall of Famer Zack Martin retires in 2025. Smith’s leadership qualities, both on and off the field, make him an indispensable asset to the Cowboys, and his leadership presence will undoubtedly continue to shape the team’s identity for years to come.

Head coach Mike McCarthy spoke highly of Smith’s development, reflecting on how far the young lineman has come. “I don’t know that I’ve ever seen a rookie lineman play both guard and tackle. We put a lot on his plate, and now he’s settled in at the guard position. This is really the beginning of a great career,” McCarthy said.

Smith’s growth and potential have caught the attention of the Cowboys’ front office as well. The organization has compared him to Cowboys legend Larry Allen in terms of his future potential, and it’s clear that Dallas sees Smith as a cornerstone piece for their long-term plans. While there is still much to be determined in terms of the team’s future salary cap situation and roster decisions, one thing is certain: Smith is poised to be a significant figure in the Cowboys’ offensive line for years to come.

As for the financial side of things, Smith’s Pro Bowl selection is just the beginning of what could be a major payday down the road. Whether the Cowboys exercise the fifth-year option or sign him to a long-term deal, there’s no doubt that Smith’s contract value is rising with each dominant performance he delivers on the field. Expect him to land a huge contract extension in the near future, one that will reward him for his hard work, leadership, and consistent high-level play.

In the meantime, Smith will continue to make his case as one of the best young guards in the league, raising his price tag with every game. For Cowboys fans, this is just the beginning of what promises to be a bright future for one of the team’s most promising players. His Pro Bowl selection marks a new milestone, but it’s clear that the best is yet to come for Tyler Smith as he establishes himself as a key player in the Cowboys’ future plans.