Tyron Smith Reported Contract Details Prove Patriots Should’ve Offered Him Deal

The New England Patriot were linked to Tyron Smith, but the talented player ended up signing with the New York Jets. New York needed someone like Smith to fill the void in the offense. He has great experience and talent, so finding a home in the NFL wasn’t really a problem for him. Many would agree that Smith was one of the better offensive tackle options on the market. New England was close to signing him and Jerod Mayo could easily use a player who was named a second team All-Pro in 2023.

Patriots fans liked the idea of seeing Smith join their team. Most of them were sure that he’d become a Patriot.

Albert Breer reported that Smith signed a one-year deal worth $6.5 million. This amount is fully guaranteed, but the offensive tackle can earn up to $20 million. In other words, Smith’s incentives go up to $13.5 million. Around $12 million are tied to his playing time.

Patriots could get Smith without breaking the bank

Smith’s playing time incentives are split in two tiers. If he plays 38% of Jets snaps, he will get an additional $750,000. If he plays 68% of snaps, he will get $575 million. There’s more. If Smith goes above 68%, he will earn up to $12 million. Playing 74% of snaps will give him $7 million and 98% gives him the top amount.

Making the Pro Bowl gives Smith additional $500,000. He will get additional $250,000 for each playoff win his team celebrates.

Jets OT Tyron Smith's 1-year, $6.5 million deal.

• $6.5 million fully guaranteed.
• Up to $5.75 million in 1st play-time incentive.
• Up to $6.25 million in 2nd play-time incentive.
• $250K per playoff win ($1M max).
• $500K Pro Bowl incentive.

Max: $20 million.

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— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 19, 2024

Patriots fans are definitely frustrated. The team would have spent a lot of money ($20 million) only if the offensive tackle had a Pro Bowl performance and played 98% of all offensive snaps. Oh, yes, add in a Super Bowl win.

We can definitely say that the Patriots missed a golden opportunity. They almost signed a talented player for $6 million. Too bad the Jets got him. Let’s move on to the next in line.