Tyler Smith

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

The Dallas Cowboys just handed out one of the most questionable contracts of the offseason, giving Tyler Smith a massive $24M AAV deal that earns an F CVI rating — a significant overpay for a guard with an unproven track record. Paying franchise-caliber money to an unproven player at the guard position represents a fundamental misallocation of resources, especially when that same capital could address more pressing needs or retain proven talent. Smith's limited body of work simply doesn't justify placing him among the highest-paid interior linemen in the league, creating immediate pressure for him to perform at an elite level he's never demonstrated. The contract structure compounds the risk with $41.7M guaranteed, meaning the Cowboys are locked into this gamble even if Smith fails to develop into the cornerstone player they're betting he'll become. This deal reeks of the Cowboys' tendency to overpay their own players based on potential rather than production, and it could hamstring their salary cap flexibility while failing to deliver the elite interior line protection Dak Prescott desperately needs.

Performance Analysis

Tyler Smith's F grade in Dallas is a glaring data anomaly for one of the most promising young offensive linemen in the NFL. Smith was a first-round pick who stepped into the Cowboys' starting lineup and performed at a high level, earning praise for his power and athleticism. The F grade bears no resemblance to reality — Smith has been one of Dallas' most reliable linemen, excelling in both pass protection and run blocking. His ability to play both tackle and guard adds versatility that makes him even more valuable. This grade should be completely disregarded in favor of what the tape shows: an ascending young lineman with All-Pro potential.