Former Cowboys LT Tyron Smith explains decision to sign with Jets in free agency

Former Cowboys left tackle Tyron Smith spoke to the New York media for the first time since signing with the Jets this offseason.

“This is definitely a huge change for me, especially being in Dallas for a while.” Smith said. “Everybody knows how the business goes and sometimes you’ve got to leave. I’m just happy to be going to a team like the Jets...

“I’m not gonna lie, it was slightly stressful. Because I’ve never been in that spot before, I didn’t know how to handle it,” Smith said. “My main options were either to be in Dallas or with the Jets. For the way things were looking in Dallas I knew it was going to most likely be the Jets.”

Smith spent 13 years with the Cowboys, becoming a fixture on the team’s offensive line since Dallas selected him in the 2011 NFL draft.

In the latter portion of his Cowboys tenure, Smith dealt with a variety of injury issues. He was available for 30 of Mike McCarthy’s 67 regular-season games in Dallas. The 33-year-old left tackle turned back the clock in 2023, displaying his well-known, dominant play style while starting 13 games.

After joining the Jets, Smith posted a heartfelt farewell message to the Cowboys and their fans on Instagram.

With the Jets, Smith will be responsible for protecting star quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who is coming off a torn Achilles.

“I just feel like they have all the pieces together right now,” Smith said. “I’ve played against Aaron [Rodgers] a couple times in my career and I know what kind of quarterback he is, I know what he can do if you just give him a little bit of time. I’m just here to do my best and give him that time.”

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