FRISCO: Tyron Smith, a left lineman, has not yet been assigned to the Dallas Cowboys for the 2024 NFL season.

However, the 33-year-old potential Hall of Famer appears to have completed a significant aspect of his preparations now that he is a free agency.

Smith made the second team All-Pro roster in 13 starts, largely overcoming injury concerns.

And perhaps that has helped him to better understand his goals for 2024. Does Smith seem to have considered retiring?

According to a story in the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Tyron isn’t quite calling it quits, so it doesn’t seem like it.

Reporter Clarence Hill told 105.3 The Fan, “I don’t know (whether Smith is returning to the Cowboys), but Tyron is not retiring. “So he will play here or somewhere else next year.”

During the final press conference of the season, Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy commended Smith for his outstanding work.

“I think the biggest thing for Tyron is … the training plan that was in place for him,” McCarthy said. “This is clearly his best season that I’ve experienced with him since 2020. So, he felt really good about that.

The second query is this: If Tyron’s plan is as reported, and we know that he would quit the Cowboys if needed but that he is not interested in doing so, can both parties take advantage of this situation?

Tyron’s extremely strong bond with and devotion to the Jones family is what drove him to accept a pay cut a year ago.

Might he repeat that action? Is ten million APY all he needs to stay? Does he “deserve” a sizable sum of guaranteed money, which may entail a less agreeable multi-year contract?

And one more thing – and because Jerry  Jones issued his “all-in” vow, this is going to come up a lot this offseason: If Dallas is fully committed to the 2024 season while claiming they’re going to “not to build it for the future” (Jerry’s words) … then the aging All-Pro left tackle is compensated to once again protect Dak Prescott … right?