The Dallas Cowboys have locked up one of their franchise cornerstones.

Sources tell DLLS that the Cowboys and standout left guard Tyler Smith have agreed to terms on a 4-year, $96 million extension, averaging $24 million per year and making him the NFL’s highest-paid interior offensive lineman.

The deal includes a massive $81.2 million guaranteed.

Smith, 24, has quickly become one of the league’s premier interior linemen since being drafted in the first round in 2022 out of Tulsa.

A two-time Pro Bowl and All-Pro selection in 2023, Smith has been a cornerstone of Dallas’ offensive line, consistently anchoring protection for Dak Prescott.

“Turn on the tape. It’s kind of obvious just that the talent and the raw ability he has,” Prescott said on Smith Thursday. “I mean, you turn on the tape, whether it’s an All-Pro D-lineman, All-Pro linebacker, I guarantee there’s a taper out there of him dumping him or him throwing a guy, and that’s just not one time. That’s consistently throughout the games. He’s a physical guy, he’s a guy that’s easy to follow. When he opens his mouth and he speaks, everybody listens. So he’s definitely a next man up in that case.”

As a rookie, he was thrust into action at left tackle after future Hall of Famer Tyron Smith tore his hamstring in training camp, and logged 1,022 snaps, according to Pro Football Focus, at the position before sliding back to left guard upon Tyron’s return. His steady play earned him a spot on the 2022 PFWA All-Rookie Team, cementing his status as one of the NFL’s brightest young linemen.

“I think he’s the best guard in football,” said head coach Brian Schottenheimer on Friday. “I don’t think I’m overselling him. I really think he is.”

The extension ensures Smith remains a foundational piece for the Cowboys’ offensive line that has added several young additions since his arrival three seasons ago.

Dallas has now locked up a third key piece to its roster with Pro Bowlers DaRon Bland and Jake Ferguson both signing extensions before the 2025 season began.