Cowboys Sign First Rounder Tyron Smith

The Cowboys announced that they have come to terms with their first round draft pick, USC offensive tackle Tyron Smith on a four-year, $12.5 million deal. As with all the other first-round signings that have been coming down the pike today, the entire contract is guaranteed. 

More below on the offensive line in general...

Smith's signing is another important step in Jason Garrett's offensive line rebuilding project. They signed left tackle Doug Free to a four-year, $32 million contract late Tuesday and then got veteran guard Kyle Kosier to sign on the dotted line for a three-year, $9 million deal late last night.

With Smith officially in the fold, and with youngsters Sam Young and Jeremy Parnell as backups, the burning question is what Dallas will do with aging (and I do mean aging) right tackle Marc Columbo. They asked him on Monday to take a pay cut to remain with the team, but he reportedly declined. If he continues to refuse a renegotiation, he will almost certainly be released, as he is due a significant roster bonus in the next couple of days.

In addition, bringing Smith into the fold solidifies four of the offensive line spots. The remaining uncertainty is at right guard, the spot manned by Leonard Davis in recent years. This year? Who knows. The most likely candidates currently on the roster are Montrae Holland and fourth-rounder David Arkin. We'll know more in the next couple of days, once the players begin lining up and actually running plays in training camp.