Like in what seems like every other year, the Dallas Cowboys are taking a backseat in free agency.

The team is looking drastically different this year.

The Cowboys have lost their starting running back, their starting center, and a number of rotational players on the defense.

None of those come close to their biggest loss.

The Cowboys let their long-time staple at left tackle, All-Pro Tyron Smith walk in free agency. 

A move that would surprise all of Cowboys Nation, and leave a sour taste in many fans' mouths. 

Of course, now the future of the left tackle position is a question, and one I have shared my thoughts on already.

But looking beyond that, Tyron Smith's next contract with his new team, the New York Jets is bound to leave Cowboys' fans even more frustrated.

It is a base deal for one year and $6.5 million, but it is heavily incentivized.

If Tyron plays 38% of the snaps, he will earn an additional 750k, for instance. If he plays 44% of the snaps, he will earn an additional $1 million. The deal has a max value of $20 million. The full details of the deal can be found here. 

This deal can be a catch-22 situation for Cowboys fans.

Tyron holds a special place in many fans' hearts, and thus they will have no ill will toward him. 

However, surely if Tyron starts hitting these incentives it will sting for Cowboys fans all the more. 

Especially knowing that Tyron Smith has missed 37 games since the 2020 season. 

If you follow the Cowboys closely you know that Tyron had a very unique practice regimen with the team during the season, and it remains to be seen if that will be in place with his new team.

However, Tyron and his agent both know the state of his career he is at, and that probably was a big talking point in contract discussions. 

Cowboys’ 2024 NFL free agency tracker: Updated news, signings, cuts, and trades

All you need to know about the Cowboys’ free agency.