Latest news with #AthletesFirst
Yahoo
17-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Cowboys Star Named in Obnoxious Trade Rumor
Star players on the Dallas Cowboys are no stranger to being overanalyzed and at the center of media buzz for every step they take. And sometimes desperate fans believe their team can steal good players away from the Cowboys because of the folk myth that Jerry Jones' front office is incompetent and easy to manipulate. Advertisement None of that happens because it isn't true. The Cowboys' executives - and players - know what they're doing. These outlets are often too oblivious to realize how ridiculous they sound. Tyler Smith is the subject of another example of this nonsense, with one site claiming he could "seek" a trade or demand a contract extension solely because he hired an agent. Last Word On Sports noticed that Smith found professional representation by signing with Athletes First, an agency that the Cowboys are very familiar with. So apparently, according to writer David Latham, that means Smith is planning for a change. Advertisement "Unfortunately for Smith, it's hard to envision a world where the Dallas Cowboys prioritize him," Latham says. "Owner Jerry Jones has dragged his feet with Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb's extensions, and the unsigned Micah Parsons is (rightfully) their top priority at the moment. "Smith could be the odd-man out, but several teams across the league could be willing to trade for the offensive lineman and give him the contract he deserves." Signing with an agent is simply a preparation move that ensures Smith goes through the negotiation process correctly. The process with the Cowboys, that is. Nobody else. Advertisement The Cowboys see this star potential more than anyone. That is why they were quick to pick up Smith's fifth-year option on his rookie contract. A team source tells that it was 'one of our easiest (decisions) ever.' That essentially shoots down any idea of Dallas moving away from him ... you would think. Bringing up the Prescott and Lamb contract timelines is one thing, but to think Smith still won't be "prioritized" is ridiculous. Dallas' first-round pick from a few seasons ago has blossomed into one of the best offensive guards in the NFL. He is greatly deserving of his Pro Bowl and All-Pro recognition ... and has the compensation to match on it's way. Advertisement The Cowboys just spent over a decade with future Hall-of-Fame guard Zack Martin - who mentored Smith for two seasons - anchoring an elite offensive line. We think the Cowboys recognize the value of the position, and they believe Smith is the next great O-lineman in Dallas rich history in the trenches. Does that mean he will get a massive extension right away? Not necessarily, because we know how the Cowboys move. But that doesn't mean it's not coming at all. An even more obnoxious thought is the idea of a trade. Smith is entering just his fourth NFL season and is already widely-regarded as a top player at his position. Dallas knows better than to move him because it would significantly set the team back from everything they've worked to build to this point. Advertisement Physicality. Durability. Leadership. Character. Tyler Smith brings it all. He's also just a dang good football player. Dallas will have to exercise some cap-space gymnastics with the other big-time contracts on the roster, but they will do everything in their power to lock down Tyler Smith for the long term. You can hypothesize, predict and dream all you want, but the Cowboys are too smart to entertain anything else. Related: Cowboys Fans Stunned At Brutal 2025 Win Total Projection Related: Cowboys Jones Details 'Good Feeling' for Fans After Winning Offseason
USA Today
12-05-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Cowboys star still on rookie contract changes agents; already eyeing monster deal in 2027?
Cowboys star still on rookie contract changes agents; already eyeing monster deal in 2027? In late April, the Cowboys picked up the fifth-year option for offensive lineman Tyler Smith, ensuring that the former first-round draft pick- entering his fourth season as a pro- will see out his rookie contract with a big blue star on his helmet. But the 24-year-old already has one eye on his financial future beyond 2026. Smith has new representation, it was announced Monday. The two-time Pro Bowler will now be working with Athletes First. Per Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News, the agency's Joe Panos and Todd France will take Smith on as a client. Athletes First already represents several of the highest-profile Cowboys, including quarterback Dak Prescott, edge rusher Micah Parsons, kicker Brandon Aubrey, and newly-acquired wide receiver George Pickens. Thanks to France, Prescott earned a record-setting $240 million contract just hours before the 2024 season kicked off. Parsons (working with the agency's David Mulugheta) is widely expected to sign a new deal this offseason that will make him the highest-paid non-quarterback in league history. Smith's business move has already suggested to some that the Fort Worth native could be seeking top-of-market money for his position following the 2026 NFL season. The fifth-year option recently exercised by the club locks in a 2026 base salary for Smith of $21.27 million, though the two sides can negotiate a longer-term deal before then. Panos got a shout-out recently during the club's retirement ceremony for Tyron Smith. The five-time All-Pro singled out Panos, calling him someone who changed his life. He fought back rare emotion in saying, "You've never just been my agent; you've been family." Cowboys owner Jerry Jones echoed that sentiment, saying of Panos, "I've never seen anybody do more and get involved more to help him than you did as his friend and agent." Tyler Smith was obviously paying attention. Follow Cowboys Wire on Facebook to join in on the conversation with fellow fans!
USA Today
09-02-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Texans CB Derek Stingley Jr. hints on upcoming contract extension
Ryan Clark brought up the contract extension headed into the offseason since Derek Jr. can sign after the Super Bowl. His answer was brief and direct. 'I want to stay in Houston for the rest of my career really,' Stingley said. Houston's top defensive back closed out his 2024 season on a high note with two interceptions in the AFC wild-card round victory against the Chargers. Earlier this season, Stingley switched agents, signing on with David Mulugheta of Athletes First. Not only has Mulugheta Stingley become his client, but Mulugheta did that for Miami Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey, signing a three-year, $72.1 million extension to make him the highest-paid average player at the position. After a dominant season in man coverage, Stingley has laid down the foundation for a new deal with the team. Houston plans to begin conversations with the former No. 3 overall pick later this offseason, though there isn't a timeline for either side to call it a day. 'The deal gonna happen when it happens,' Stingley said. As for a holdout, Stingley said there's too much to be accomplished as a team for him to put individual needs first. 'We still have to take care of business,' he said. 'I still got to work out, I still got to be there, be around the team.'
