NFL Rumors: Patriots Expected to Pursue Cowboys' Tyron Smith in Free Agency

The New England Patriots are hoping to upgrade the offensive line this offseason, and they are reportedly eyeing one of the top free agents on the market.

Per Mark Daniels and Karen Guregian of MassLive, the Patriots "would like to find a starting-caliber tackle in free agency" and they "are expected to pursue" eight-time Pro Bowler Tyron Smith.

The 33-year-old played 13 games for the Dallas Cowboys last season, his most since 2019, and earned second-team All-Pro honors. Smith has spent his entire 13-year career in Dallas after being drafted out of USC with the No. 9 pick in 2011.

Daniels and Guregian said Smith "would provide a short-term solution at left tackle" for the Patriots, who are a team in transition after the Bill Belichick era came to an end after 24 years. Jerod Mayo was hired as his replacement.

New England is expected to use the No. 3 pick in the 2024 draft to select its quarterback of the future. Signing Smith would give the rookie the protection he needs to start his career on the right foot.

Smith has not played a full season since 2015, but when he's healthy he is still one of the best offensive tackles in the league. The Patriots will certainly not be alone in their pursuit of him this offseason.