Top Cowboys Trade Target to Replace Star: $54 million Starter, according to Analyst
This summer, the Cowboys could want to trade for three players, according to Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report. Jacksonville Jaguars left tackle Cam Robinson is ranked first on the list. According to the plan, Robinson may be Smith’s backup.
The story “Cowboys’ Top Trade Targets Entering the 2024 NFL Offseason” was written by Ballentine on February 14, 2024. “Smith has spent all 13 seasons of his NFL career in Dallas, but sometimes the hard decision has to be made.” It should be taken into consideration to make a deal if it may return a younger, capable left tackle starter.
The Cowboys might experience that situation if they discover the Jaguars are willing to trade Cam Robinson. For breaking the league’s regulations regarding performance-enhancing drugs, the 28-year-old was suspended for the first four games of the season, according to Ballentine.
The ban nullified several of the terms in his deal; therefore, trading him would free up $16.1 million in cap space for the Jags. With Walker Little playing so well in his absence, that is a lot of flexibility to take into account.
Cowboys Rumor: A trade with the Jaguars seems improbable due to Cam Robinson’s cost.
Though Robinson’s seven seasons in Jacksonville are not quite as extensive as Smith’s, he has made 84 starts. A three-year, $54 million contract is about to expire for Robinson. In 2024, Robinson’s suspension will probably result in a lower cap charge for the veteran, who is expected to earn $21 million.
If the Cowboys want to make it financially feasible, Robinson would probably have to consent to a revised contract or an extension. Robinson might be persuaded to accept a lower salary rather than being cut loose by the Jaguars this summer because of an out clause in his contract.
For the Jaguars in 2023, Smith had a mixed season; Pro Football Focus gave him a grade of 65.4. That leaves the left tackle as a more logical target for Dallas should Robinson end up being a cap casualty. Robinson hasn’t played well lately, so it’s unlikely that anything would be acquired by the Cowboys in a potential deal.
Tyron Smith Could Still Be Signed by the Dallas Cowboys in Free Agency
How Dallas will manage Smith’s future is a more pressing concern. Fan and media acceptance of the former Pro Bowler has been higher thus far than that of the front office.
After missing a lot of games for eight consecutive seasons, Smith participated in 13 this season. As Smith concluded his eight-year, $97.6 million contract, the star had a $6 million cap hit in 2023.
There is still going to be a market for Smith in free agency since the league is devoid of good offensive linemen. The Cowboys might still bring Smith back for a second season, according to Jon Machota of The Athletic.
Machota wrote in an article titled “Ranking the Cowboys’ 16 unrestricted free agents: Who do they need to bring back most?,” on February 5, that “what also makes Smith appealing is that if he wants to play another season, he might be willing to do it on a somewhat team-friendly deal.” The possibility of Dallas selecting an offensive lineman in the first or second round would still exist if he signed a new contract for another season.