Jerry Jones’ Dallas Cowboys may face CBA scrutiny after controversial Tyler Smith move to left tackle late in the season

The Dallas Cowboys were already walking a thin line late in the season, juggling injuries and fading playoff hopes. Then came a decision that seemed simple on the surface but quickly turned complicated. Moving Tyler Smith to left tackle helped steady the offensive line in the short term. Now, that same move has opened the door to questions that could follow the team into the offseason.
Dallas was eliminated from playoff contention after a 34-17 Week 16 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers. With the season slipping away and injuries mounting, the coaching staff acted fast. Starting left tackle Tyler Guyton was sidelined again with a high ankle sprain, and backup Nathan Thomas went down with a shoulder injury. Protecting Dak Prescott became the priority and Tyler Smith was the obvious answer. From a football standpoint, the switch made sense. From a contract standpoint, it may not have.

Why Tyler Smith’s position change has become a Cowboys problem

The controversy surfaced after Cowboys reporter Clarence Hill Jr. shared details that reframed the situation entirely. “There is no clause in Tyler Smith’s contract with the Cowboys that compensates him if he moves from guard to tackle,” Hill wrote. “It’s actually illegal to do so under the CBA, per Smith’s representative. It’s not allowed. Smith is paid at the top of the guard market but to tackle is a different tax bracket. He is well aware of the difference.”
Smith signed a four-year, $96 million extension before the season, making him the highest-paid guard in the league. Tackles are paid differently, and according to Smith’s camp, the position switch without compensation is not allowed under the collective bargaining agreement.
The Cowboys insist the move was handled properly on the football side. Prescott made it clear he had complete confidence in Smith. “Put him [Tyler] at center; he can do it all,” Prescott said. “We’re good at center, but honestly, he can play whatever he wants. That’s a credit to that guy… So, the moment they told me this early in the week that they’re going to go with Tyler at left tackle, I was great with it. No hesitation in my mind. There was no doubt of what he was going to be able to do.”
Head coach Brian Schottenheimer echoed that trust and confirmed Smith was part of the conversation. “He [Tyler] certainly can play out there,” Schottenheimer said. “When we made the decision, we talked to [him] and the decision was made we’re going to do it for the year.” Smith himself showed no resistance. “I’m going to do what’s best for the team,” he said.
On the field, the switch did its job. Dallas gave up just one sack in Week 16, and Smith handled left tackle without any issues. Off the field, however, things are not as clear. What started as a short-term fix could turn into a bigger conversation about contracts and league rules.
Also read: “This is our job”: Dallas Cowboys QB Dak Prescott refuses to cheat the game after being eliminated from the 2025 NFL Playoffs

Get an chance to win ₹5000 Amazon Voucher by taking part in India's Biggest Habit Index! Take the survey here