Dallas Cowboys Face Tough Decision on Terence Steele Amid Cap Crunch
Terence Steele has been one of the more polarizing figures on the Cowboys’ roster in recent years. For every quiet, steady performance at right tackle, there’s been a moment that’s drawn scrutiny-especially in pass protection. But now, with Dallas facing a financial squeeze and some tough calls on the horizon, Steele’s future with the team is very much in question.
Let’s start with what’s made Steele a success story. He entered the NFL in 2020 as an undrafted free agent out of Texas Tech-hardly the profile of a long-term starter.
But when La’el Collins went down, Steele was thrown into the fire early. That rookie season was rough-nine sacks allowed and plenty of growing pains-but he responded the way you hope any young lineman would: by grinding, improving, and earning his spot.
Over the next few seasons, Steele cleaned up his technique, held down the right tackle position, and earned a five-year, $82.5 million extension along the way. He hasn’t missed a game in the last three years, and his work ethic has never been in doubt.
But availability only gets you so far in this league-especially when the salary cap tightens and every dollar counts.
Steele’s game is built on power. He’s a tone-setter in the run game, capable of clearing lanes and moving defenders off their spots.
That physicality has been a big part of Dallas’ ground attack. But in pass protection, the picture is less flattering.
Since suffering a knee injury, Steele has struggled to recover his lateral quickness. Speed rushers have been able to exploit that, often getting to Dak Prescott before Steele can recover from a missed punch.
He’s long and strong, but at times moves like a lineman with cement cleats-tough to watch when facing elite edge talent.
That inconsistency has made his $16 million average salary over the next three years a sticking point. It’s not a top-tier number, but it’s also not insignificant-especially for a player whose pass protection grades out around league average. And with seven Cowboys already pulling in $20 million or more annually (with George Pickens likely joining that group soon), the team has to be strategic about where it spends.
Dallas has already invested heavily in the offensive line, using premium draft capital on the other four starters. Eventually, those players will command new deals, and the front office will need the flexibility to keep the core intact. That’s why Steele’s contract, while earned, might be a luxury the Cowboys can’t afford anymore.
So where do they go from here?
There are a few paths Dallas could take if they choose to move on. One is to find a veteran stopgap in free agency-someone in the mold of Hakeem Adeniji, who offered solid depth and versatility last year without breaking the bank.
Another option is to turn to the youth movement. Ajani Cornelius, a late-round pick from last season, brings impressive lateral agility and the kind of pass-blocking upside that could fit well in today’s game.
Then there’s Nate Thomas, who’s still raw but steadily improving and could be ready for a bigger role.
What those options offer-beyond potential-is cost control. And that’s the name of the game for a team trying to build a contender while managing a top-heavy salary structure.
The bottom line: Terence Steele has been a success story by every developmental measure. He’s gone from undrafted longshot to reliable starter, and he’s done it with toughness and professionalism.
But in today’s NFL, production has to match the paycheck. And right now, the Cowboys may be better served finding a more affordable solution at right tackle-one that helps them maintain strong line play while freeing up resources to address other needs.
It’s a tough call, no doubt. But it might be the right one.