The Dallas Cowboys are using the salary cap space created by trading Micah Parsons to invest in the team's future. On Saturday, NFL insider Ian Rapoport reported that the Cowboys have agreed to a four-year, $96 million contract extension with Pro Bowl left guard Tyler Smith.
The deal, which includes $81.2 million guaranteed, makes Smith the highest-paid guard in NFL history, averaging $24 million per year. The contract was negotiated by agents Joe Panos and Todd France of Athletes First.
Smith's extension surpasses the previous record held by Kansas City Chiefs guard Trey Smith, who signed a four-year, $94 million deal in July.
At 24 years old, Smith has become a key figure on the Cowboys' offensive line following the retirements of longtime starters Zack Martin and Tyron Smith.
This marks the second blockbuster deal the Cowboys have made in just a few weeks. At the end of August, they agreed to a four-year, $92 million extension with Pro Bowl cornerback DaRon Bland. The deal has $50 million in guaranteed money, including a $22 million signing bonus.