Cowboys mull vested option on OT Smith

The Cowboys have had discussions with the agents for Tyron Smith about picking up the vested option on the starting left tackle's contract.

Smith, the ninth overall selection in the 2011 NFL draft, enters his fourth season on the heels of his first Pro Bowl berth. The Cowboys have until May 2 to pick up the vested option for 2015. If they don't, Smith can become a free agent after this season.

If the Cowboys pick up the option, Smith will receive a base salary of $10.039 million in 2015, which would be the final year of his contract.

Cowboys owner/general manager Jerry Jones said he would like to keep not only Smith but also wide receiver Dez Bryant long term.

Bryant, also coming off his first Pro Bowl season with the Cowboys, enters the final year of his contract. The team hasn't had any extensive contract talks with either players' representatives.

"We have spoken," Jones said. "I don't know that recognizing that you have a fifth-year option is negotiating -- that's what I'm getting into."