Star players on the Dallas Cowboys are no stranger to being overanalyzed and at the center of media buzz for every step they take.
And sometimes desperate fans believe their team can steal good players away from the Cowboys because of the folk myth that Jerry Jones' front office is incompetent and easy to manipulate.
None of that happens because it isn't true. The Cowboys' executives - and players - know what they're doing.
These outlets are often too oblivious to realize how ridiculous they sound.
Tyler Smith is the subject of another example of this nonsense, with one site claiming he could "seek" a trade or demand a contract extension solely because he hired an agent.
Last Word On Sports noticed that Smith found professional representation by signing with Athletes First, an agency that the Cowboys are very familiar with.
So apparently, according to writer David Latham, that means Smith is planning for a change.
"Unfortunately for Smith, it’s hard to envision a world where the Dallas Cowboys prioritize him," Latham says. "Owner Jerry Jones has dragged his feet with Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb’s extensions, and the unsigned Micah Parsons is (rightfully) their top priority at the moment.
"Smith could be the odd-man out, but several teams across the league could be willing to trade for the offensive lineman and give him the contract he deserves."
Signing with an agent is simply a preparation move that ensures Smith goes through the negotiation process correctly.
The process with the Cowboys, that is. Nobody else.
The Cowboys see this star potential more than anyone. That is why they were quick to pick up Smith's fifth-year option on his rookie contract.
A team source tells CowboysCountry.com that it was “one of our easiest (decisions) ever.”
That essentially shoots down any idea of Dallas moving away from him ... you would think.
Bringing up the Prescott and Lamb contract timelines is one thing, but to think Smith still won't be "prioritized" is ridiculous.
Dallas' first-round pick from a few seasons ago has blossomed into one of the best offensive guards in the NFL. He is greatly deserving of his Pro Bowl and All-Pro recognition ... and has the compensation to match on it's way.
The Cowboys just spent over a decade with future Hall-of-Fame guard Zack Martin - who mentored Smith for two seasons - anchoring an elite offensive line. We think the Cowboys recognize the value of the position, and they believe Smith is the next great O-lineman in Dallas rich history in the trenches.
Does that mean he will get a massive extension right away? Not necessarily, because we know how the Cowboys move.
But that doesn't mean it's not coming at all.
An even more obnoxious thought is the idea of a trade.
Smith is entering just his fourth NFL season and is already widely-regarded as a top player at his position. Dallas knows better than to move him because it would significantly set the team back from everything they've worked to build to this point.
Physicality. Durability. Leadership. Character. Tyler Smith brings it all.
He's also just a dang good football player.
Dallas will have to exercise some cap-space gymnastics with the other big-time contracts on the roster, but they will do everything in their power to lock down Tyler Smith for the long term.
You can hypothesize, predict and dream all you want, but the Cowboys are too smart to entertain anything else.