Cowboys sign Tyron Smith to 8-year extension

The Dallas Cowboys locked up Tony Romo's blindside protector Tyron Smith to a long-term mega deal Wednesday, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports.

Emphasis on mega. 

Smith, a 2011 first-round pick, had two years remaining on his rookie contract after the Cowboys picked up his fifth-year option. The new money on his deal is roughly $96.7 million and includes around $40 million guaranteed.

Still just 23 years old (he'll turn 24 in December), Smith is already one of the game's premier left tackles. He earned second-team All-Pro honors in 2013 after allowing just three sacks and conceding a 6.0 percent pressure rate.

It will be fascinating to see how the Cowboys manage to fit this deal under their salary cap, especially with wide receiver Dez Bryant in need of an extension.