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Oxnard, Calif. • Tyron Smith has a new contract that will probably make him the most important blocker for the next Dallas quarterback after Tony Romo.
The Pro Bowl left tackle signed an eight-year, $98 million extension Wednesday that pushes the total value of his deal to $110 million over 10 years, locking him up through 2023.
The extension includes a $10 million signing bonus and $40 million in guaranteed money. Smith joins Romo as the only Cowboys with contracts valued at more than $100 million.
Smith was just 20 when the Cowboys took him ninth overall in 2011 out of Southern California. That was Jason Garrett's first draft as coach.
"That first one says a lot about what you believe," Garrett said. "He's something else. We really emphasize the importance of mental toughness. We believe that's a distinguishing trait in players and in teams. And he represents that in spades. He's off the charts."
In a statement through his marketing agency, Smith said the Cowboys approached him with what is a cap-friendly deal for the franchise, and the lineman asked his agents to weigh the pros and cons of signing it.
Smith said part of his reasoning was rewarding owner Jerry Jones for standing by him during a difficult time that included Smith's lawyer accusing the player's parents of taking money from him after he had set up a way to give them a portion of his rookie contract.
• In other Cowboys' news, Former defensive tackle Josh Brent is out of rehabilitation and could have his future with the NFL resolved before the team leaves training camp in California in two weeks. The 26-year-old Brent was convicted in January of intoxication manslaughter for the December 2012 crash that killed Jerry Brown, a Cowboys practice squad player.
Around the league
Bengals • Cornerback Chris Lewis-Harris was suspended for two games for violating the NFL's substance abuse policy. Lewis-Harris can participate in preseason games and practices. He'll miss the first two games without pay and can return to the active roster on Monday, Sept. 15.
Bills • The NFL announced that linebacker Nigel Bradham will miss the start of the season because of a one-game suspension. Bradham said the suspension comes from a ticket he received last August for marijuana possession in suburban Buffalo.
NFL • An attorney for former running back Larry Johnson says the player's Las Vegas domestic violence case is now closed after a judge determined he successfully completed community service and counseling requirements.
Steelers • Joe Greene's No. 75 now belongs to the ages. The Pittsburgh Steelers announced the team will retire the Hall of Fame defensive end's number during a game against the Baltimore Ravens on Nov. 2. Greene, the fourth overall pick in the 1969 NFL draft, helped Pittsburgh win four Super Bowls during his 13-year career.