This offseason, the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Jets may trade offensive lineman.
Tyron Smith’s decision to join the green and white has left a hole in the trenches for America’s Team, according to Bill Barnwell of ESPN.
“[Laken] Tomlinson could come in at guard, where his stature would be a plus for a squad that failed to impress in short-yardage and goal-line scenarios a year ago, if Dallas wanted to shift 2022 first-round selection Tyler Smith from left guard to left tackle,” Barnwell clarified.
For Tomlinson, Barnwell said the Cowboys were the “best fit.”
In an attempt to save money, Gang Green cut the $40 million starter before he entered free agency.
Since being released, Tomlinson, 32, hasn’t gained much interest from other teams on the open market. There is a chance that the green and white will eventually return if that keeps happening.
Although Tomlinson was signed in 2022 with the intention of starting, he would only be a backup if he were to return to New York this offseason.
“Pricing and expectations are everything. At a $13 million price tag and as the most expensive member of a wildly disappointing New York offensive line, Tomlinson was a problem.
Viewed through a more realistic lens at age 32, though, he’s a solid guard who offers more as a run-blocker than a pass-blocker,” Barnwell explained.
“While his best work came with the 49ers when Kyle Shanahan was still leaning more toward zone concepts, he’s probably best in a gap scheme where his size and power play up.
”Despite his two seasons of disappointment in New York, the former Duke product was always available. Tomlinson was the only reliable player on an offensive line that was always in
Smith revealed during his chat with the media that the free agency sweepstakes came down to a return to Dallas or the Jets.
“The Jets got Tyron Smith for $6.5 million guaranteed. That’s such a low number any risk is worth the potential reward.
But the fact 31 other teams were out/made no run at someone with Smith’s resume is puzzling or alarming, depending on if you’re glass half full vs empty.
Can’t help but wonder if there’s something there. Time will tell,” Connor Hughes of SNY said on social media.
A fan accused the Jets of “bidding against themselves” which Hughes quickly responded to.
They made no bids against one another. Douglas is very focused on his numbers, which is why they won’t be played that way anymore. “No Jets tax,” said Hughes.
They thought they were penning a deal that the Cowboys would accept. It’s set up this way because Joe wasn’t going to take on someone else’s workload. When he said yes, everyone gasped. They didn’t believe he would.
Smith deserves praise for stating that he believed it was a fair agreement and that the contract he signed reflects his history of injuries. Everyone benefits from it.
Smith will receive a substantial reward from the Jets if he stays healthy.
They prepared themselves in case he got harmed.flux, playing in 34 of the 34 games that were feasible.
Tomlinson’s leadership abilities were likewise highly regarded.
