Cowboys left guard Tyler Smith went under the knife to correct an issue that plagued him throughout 2025.
The NFL offseason is a time when some players are figuring out their next move as free agents or negotiating a new contract, but for others, like Dallas Cowboys guard Tyler Smith, it's about getting healthy.
With the three-time Pro Bowler playing in 16 games (starting all), he didn't seem himself at times during the year, which, for most, was odd.
Usually so consistent and playing to a high level, at times, that it abandoned Smith, and the Cowboys' offense line was run through at will.
But it appears we may have gotten a little idea as to why Smith wasn't his usual, elite best in Brian Schottenheimer's first year as head coach.
ESPN's Todd Archer reported that Smith had surgery on his right knee after the Pro Bowl.
"All-Pro OL Tyler Smith had cleanup surgery on his right knee after the Pro Bowl but will be 100% ready for the offseason program, per sources. He dealt with the issue during the season," Archer posted on X.
So it seems like a minor issue Tyler wanted fixed, and the fact that it doesn't appear to hamper 2026 preparations is good news for Dallas.
With Dak Prescott running for his life at times in 2025, the Cowboys' offensive line is expected to take another step forward.
Tyler Guyton, Tyler Booker, Cooper Beebe, Smith, and Terence Steele are all expected to come back with a vengeance and protect Dak far better than they did in 2025.
Injuries played their role in that, with Guyton, Beebe, and Smith all missing time at some point during the season, leaving T.J. Bass and Brock Hoffman to step in.
But while some fans might not like the idea of Smith having surgery, it is clearly something he and the Cowboys felt was necessary, and what better time to do it than in the offseason, and before the program starts?
Smith has been a perennial Pro Bowler since he came into the league, and you could make the case that last year was his "worst" season since being drafted.
And maybe it was his knee giving him trouble.
But now that it's been fixed, we should expect Tyler to return to being the dominant force he once was and be a key member of Prescott's protection.