The Dallas Cowboys had apparently hoped to replace injured offensive tackle Tyron Smith with veteran Jared Veldheer, but Veldheer does not appear interested.
Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reported the Cowboys offered Veldheer a one-year, $2.5 million contract. However, the 10-year veteran has instead elected to retire.
The #Cowboys had a $2.5 million offer on the table for veteran tackle Jared Veldheer, who opted to retire instead (as others said). One possible insurance policy for Tyron Smith off the table.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) September 21, 2020
Veldheer played just two games with the Green Bay Packers last season, and has mostly been a journeyman starter at both tackle spots.
But the Cowboys are growing slightly uneasy after Smith suffered a neck injury this past Thursday. Head coach Mike McCarthy said at the time the team would see how Smith was feeling heading into the weekend, but the two-time All-Pro was subsequently ruled out for Sunday's game against the Atlanta Falcons.
Dallas is suddenly running on empty at the tackle position. La'el Collins will be out for at least one more game after being placed on injured reserve, and backup tackle Cameron Irving was placed on IR earlier this week with a knee injury.
There has yet to be any indication Smith has suffered a long-term injury. However, the fact he went from a game-time decision to “Out” is not very encouraging in context of the injury.
The Cowboys managed to get a win against the Falcons after an improbable fourth-quarter comeback, and quarterback Dak Prescott led a ferocious air assault by throwing for 450 yards.
But Dallas understands it needs to pull out all the stops in adding protection for Prescott, and it is likely the Cowboys bring in reinforcements at the tackle position.
Veldheer, however, is off the table.
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