FRISCO – In response to the announcement of his free agency departure from the Cowboys to the New York Jets, All-Pro left tackle Tyron Smith stated on Friday night, “I would have loved to have stayed home in Dallas.”

In summary, the Cowboys didn’t reciprocate his love. Not quite enough to match the Jets’ incredible one-year deal offer, which is essentially a $6.5 million commitment despite being advertised as “up to $20 million.”

Why did the Cowboys turn down a $6.5 million offer from New York to play with rival quarterback Aaron Rodgers and the Jets, a legendary future Hall of Famer?

“It’s a business, as we all know,” Tyron said to Josina Anderson of CBS Sports.

Yes, and the Cowboys’ apparent “business” Right now, the plan is to “go all in” for the near future and then “blow it up” when rebuilding around 2025.

That’s not what Dallas officials are saying. However, their deeds speak louder than their words—words like those COO Stephen Jones spoke before to Tyron’s resignation.

“The door is open,” Stephen Jones declared on Thursday. “Football player Tyron Smith will go into the Hall of Fame. He’s had a fantastic career, and we haven’t closed the door on him staying in Dallas to pursue his profession. He’s among the best left tackles in the history of the sport.

“This organization feels more strongly than anyone else about Tyron Smith.”

The New York Jets, anyway, seem to. And in exchange, Tyron clearly feels good about the Jets.

Smith remarked, “I still think the Jets have a chance to win it, and I’m going to do everything in my power to support the team.”

As of Friday night, Smith, 33, who is traveling to New York with some injury-related baggage (which naturally affected Dallas’ decision to say goodbye), claimed not to have spoken with Rodgers. (Perhaps the quarterback is too preoccupied with his push for the White House.) – but it’s obvious that he’s excited about the opportunity to serve as the four-time MVP’s bodyguard. (Perhaps Rodgers will designate him as his “National Security Director.”)

Tyron remarked, “I think it’s going to be amazing.” “It goes without saying that since he’s with Dallas and has already twice kicked our butts in the playoffs (during Rodgers’ time in Green Bay), I am aware of his potential. To be honest, I’m just thrilled about the chance.

An “opportunity” that the Joneses, as it turned out, didn’t really offer.