Dallas Cowboys, offensive tackle Tyron Smith agree to 8-year extension

Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Tyron Smith blocks teammate defensive end... — Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Tyron Smith blocks teammate defensive end Jeremy Mincey during Dallas Cowboys training camp on Friday, July 25, 2014, in Oxnard, Calif. Credit: AP / Gus Ruelas

By THE ASSOCIATED PRESSJuly 30, 2014

The Dallas Cowboys have signed Tyron Smith to an eight-year contract extension that locks up the Pro Bowl left tackle through the 2023 season.

The extension signed Wednesday is worth $98 million, pushing the total value of his deal to 10 years and $110 million. Smith gets a $10 million signing bonus and $40 million in guaranteed money.

The long contract means Smith will likely be the most important blocker for Tony Romo and whoever replaces the 34-year-old quarterback.

Smith was just 20 when Dallas drafted him ninth overall in 2011. He has started all 47 games in his career, missing one game with a sprained ankle in 2012. He played right tackle as a rookie before moving to the left side.