After enjoying 13 seasons for the Cowboys, Tyron Smith is getting used to the concept that he will likely be sporting inexperienced and white this fall, and never blue and silver.
“That is undoubtedly an enormous change for me, particularly being in Dallas for some time,” Smith mentioned Thursday. “All people is aware of how the enterprise goes, and typically you’ve obtained to depart. I’m simply blissful I’m going to a crew just like the Jets to assist out any method I can to assist produce a profitable tradition.”
The Jets and Smith agreed to a one-year deal final week that begins at $6.5 million and, with incentives, can go as much as $20 million if the Jets win Tremendous Bowl 2025.
Smith is an eight-time Professional Bowler who has been among the finest left tackles in soccer for greater than a decade.
However he’s 33 years outdated and has performed 30 video games over the previous 4 seasons. That led to some groups shying away from signing Smith.
“I simply knew my major choices had been both going to be in Dallas or with the Jets,” Smith mentioned. “With the best way issues had been wanting in Dallas, I knew it was most definitely going to be the Jets. I truthfully obtained excited for a brand new chapter in my life.”
Smith is a part of Jets basic supervisor Joe Douglas’ plan to rebuild the offensive line in entrance of quarterback Aaron Rodgers.
The crew additionally signed left guard John Simpson and traded with the Ravens for proper sort out Morgan Moses.
Smith mentioned enjoying with Rodgers appealed to him in addition to being a part of what the Jets are constructing.
“I simply really feel like all of them have the items collectively proper now with the ultimate items [coming] on this offseason to provide a crew that would go all the best way,” Smith mentioned. “I’ve performed in opposition to Aaron all through my profession a few instances. I do know what sort of quarterback he’s. I do know what he can do when you simply give him just a little little bit of time. I’m simply right here to do my finest and provides him that point.”
Smith performed 13 video games final season and was named second-team All-Professional.
However the Cowboys didn’t have him observe through the week to attempt to maintain him wholesome after he performed simply 4 video games in 2022.
Smith mentioned he’s undecided what the plan will likely be with the Jets, however he’s coming into the spring wholesome.
“Bodily, I really feel nice,” Smith mentioned. “Coming off the season final 12 months with no harm I can go full tilt for the offseason. Truthfully, no matter we determine to give you for a program for right here in New York, that’s what we determine. It’s not all the time going to be the identical. We’ll sit down and give you a plan for ourselves what’s finest for me and the crew.”
Smith’s contract has a component of betting on himself.
His wage jumps by what number of snaps he performs, beginning with 38 p.c of the snaps then growing by one million {dollars} or extra by benchmarks. He additionally has incentives for the Professional Bowl and playoff wins.
If he can play each recreation, make the Professional Bowl and the Jets win the Tremendous Bowl, he’ll make $20 million.
“The way in which my contract is it speaks for what’s been occurring for the previous couple of years,” Smith mentioned. “Truthfully, I feel it’s a good deal. I’ve simply obtained to go on the market and show that I can proceed enjoying on the excessive degree that they anticipate me to.”
The writing was on the wall in Dallas for Smith. Regardless of enjoying effectively final season, he knew they may be transferring on from him and isn’t bitter.
“After being on this recreation for a very long time, I simply know that’s the best way the enterprise goes,” Smith mentioned. “Generally you retain guys, typically you’ll be able to’t. Some guys obtained to maneuver on. I’m not shocked in any respect. You simply must take it for what it’s value and you find yourself the place it’s essential be.”
