LATEST UPDATE: 5 reasons Rams should sign Tyron Smith

There aren’t many players in Tyron Smith’s class that are still active, making him the ninth overall choice in the 2011 draft. The rest, including Julio Jones and Von Miller, a former edge rusher for the Rams, seem to be nearing the conclusion of their careers.

And because the Cowboys are getting ready to part ways with Smith, 33, after 13 years in Dallas, perhaps that will also turn out to be the case.

Smith has missed at least three games in each of the last nine seasons due to his inability to stay fit, including almost all of 2020 and 2022. Nevertheless, Smith did play for the majority of 2023, and now that Andrew Whitworth has retired and the Rams are still looking for a left tackle (L.A. signed Whitworth at the age of 36), it is appropriate to consider allocating some of their cap money to an improvement.

These would be five reasons to do so.

Improve a key offensive need
A.J. Jackson, a left tackle, is generally regarded as a mediocre but passable player at one of the most crucial positions in the NFL. He is also a restricted free agent, and there is a lot of talk that Los Angeles will start a rookie at tackle in place of him by selecting a lineman with their first round pick.

Starting left tackles are rarely permitted to enter the market, which is one of the reasons a team would take such action; nevertheless, Smith is in a special situation because Dallas can no longer afford to pay him. Naturally, his history of injuries has contributed to it, and should the Rams acquire him, holding Jackson would be a wise decision in light of that. However, Smith is not generally available while there is still tread on the tires, and players in his position have frequently shown that they can play well into the age of thirty-three.

Trent Williams, the finest tackle in the NFL, is 35 years old, Andrew Whitworth played until he was 41, and Jason Peters was in the league last season at 41.

Of the few needs on the Rams offense going into the offseason, upgrading Jackson to Smith has the potential to take L.A. to another level that they couldn’t get to without a better left tackle.

Defend Matthew Stafford.
Stafford needs to be protected because he is the oldest quarterback in the NFL when Aaron Rodgers and Joe Flacco aren’t starting as well as the oldest starting quarterback in the NFC. Nothing the Rams do matters if they don’t have Stafford, as we seen in 2022.

In 2022, Stafford missed eight games, and Los Angeles finished 2–6.

In 2023, Stafford missed a midseason game, and Brett Rypien turned in one of the worst games by a Rams quarterback under coach Sean McVay. The most crucial position for pass protection is left tackle, and Los Angeles must defend their $40 million annual quarterback (the actual amount is $50 million over the next three seasons), regardless if the backup quarterback, Carson Wentz, Stetson Bennett, or anybody else.

Even though Stafford is a 33-year-old left tackle who is almost certain to miss a quarter of the season, every precaution must be taken to keep him safe. Which would be preferable, Jackson for 17 games and Smith for 13 games plus the playoffs, or Smith for four games?

Pick the other spot in the first round.
A.J. Jackson and Tyron Smith signings would negate the need for the Rams to choose a first-round tackle in 2024. A move similar to Amarius Mims’ could yet occur, however this particular action could somewhat meet three needs:

Adding Smith will improve the left tackle position.

Jackson’s move back a peg results in an improvement in tackle depth.

as well as selecting a different position—cornerback, edge rusher, quarterback, or wide receiver—with the first round pick.

This would be a move for now and a move for the future. Without Smith, the odds of the Rams picking a left tackle would certainly increase significantly. And maybe that’s the right move, not signing Smith. It could be! If the team does sign Smith though, there are more options on the table with the draft.

There is an injury discount for Tyron Smith.
Formerly a $16 million AAV offensive lineman, he recently finished a season in which he made only $6 million but was named to the second team of the All-Pro squad. Though it’s important to use caution when evaluating awards, the Rams wouldn’t be responsible for paying All-Pro Tyron Smith.

Is there a chance that Smith accepts $7 million to pursue a Super Bowl ring with the Rams during their current winning streak? It is conceivable.

Tyron Smith is unlikely to have many suitors given the number of teams that have the cap room and need a left tackle among those who could be contenders the next season. Smith is a high-reward, reasonably low-risk signing who should be available at a discount after an unfortunate run of games lost due to injury.

Mentor and flexible coach to young OL
Tyron Smith doesn’t inherently desire to be a coach or mentor, as has been demonstrated time and time again; yet, there is further evidence that supports this theory: In the last ten years in the NFL, Tyron Smith has collaborated with some of the top offensive linemen.

That includes Zack Martin and Travis Frederick. It includes the player who was drafted to replace Tyron Smith, that being Tyler Smith. And Dallas has had some very good linemen besides those, including La’El Collins, Connor Williams, and Tyler Biadasz.

He has a lot to offer, even if it’s just leading by example. It would be a great opportunity not only for Jackson, but also Steve Avila, Coleman Shelton, Kevin Dotson (if he’s re-signed), and even Rob Havenstein.