It wasn’t the contract extension the Cowboys were expected to get done first, but linebacker Jaylon Smith has a new long-term deal in place, according to multiple reports on Tuesday.

Smith would have been a restricted free agent after the 2019 season, but under team control through 2020. Instead, he scored a five-year, $64 million payday with $35 million guaranteed.

As important as it was to lock up a key member of the team’s defense, the deal will face plenty of scrutiny for not being one given to offensive stars Ezekiel Elliot, Dak Prescott or Aamri Cooper — the franchise’s “Triplets 3.0.”

Elliott’s holdout continues, despite owner Jerry Jones’ attempts to entice his Pro Bowl running back with sarcastic digs. Quarterback Dak Prescott, rumored to be looking for elite-tier money, and wideout Amari Cooper, due a new contract after this season, will also eat up a significant chunk of money in Dallas. The contract fate of the star trio will continue to be a talking point as the regular season looms, and potentially beyond.

Smith is a rising talent on the Cowboys defense — he started 16 games last season, netting 121 tackles, four sacks and two forced fubmles — and has become integral to the team’s future and while it may not be the big-name signing fans were hoping for, it’s certainly one the team was happy to get done.