The Dallas Cowboys have missed the playoffs for two straight years, and there will be some changes on this roster and coaching staff. While many changes are expected on the defensive side of the ball, the Cowboys have a big question to answer about starting right tackle Terence Steele.
Steele was shaky throughout the 2025 season, with his inconsistent blocking and knack for untimely penalties. Now that it's 2026 and the Cowboys officially have an out in his contract, one has to wonder if Steele will remain in the Lone Star State for that much longer.
Cowboys Have Big Decision to Make Around Terence Steele
According to Spotrac, the Cowboys are 29th in the NFL in cap space, as they will enter the offseason more than $22 million over the salary cap. They'll need to reshuffle some players, which is why the idea of cutting or trading Steele may be enticing, as doing so after June 1 will create $14 million in cap space.
Back in 2023, he signed a five-year, $86.8 million extension with the Cowboys. Since signing that deal, he hasn't been the consistent anchor they believed they were getting.
2023 | 2024 | 2025 |
|---|---|---|
Penalties: 7 | Penalties: 7 | Penalties: 6 |
Sacks Allowed: 8 | Sacks Allowed: 9 | Sacks Allowed: 6 |
Hits Allowed: 12 | Hits Allowed: 6 | Hits Allowed: 9 |
Total Pressures Allowed: 54 | Total Pressures Allowed: 41 | Total Pressures Allowed: 49 |
For the past three years, Steele has struggled as a pass protector, which isn't what you want from a tackle that has been paid handsomely. In the Week 18 loss to the New York Giants, he allowed three pressures for the third straight game while ending with season-worst Pro Football Focus grades across the board.
With three years of evidence on tape, the conversation around Steele needs to be had. The Cowboys have an out in Steele's contract if they want to move on.
It's worth noting that Tyler Guyton played right tackle during his college days in Oklahoma and could make the switch over if needed. Nate Thomas showed that he can handle being the starting left tackle at times this season, which could make moving Guyton over to the right more possible.
Dallas will have two first-round picks in the 2026 NFL draft, including the No. 12 overall pick. They'll have the resources to find another tackle in the draft, where they've had plenty of success along the offensive line in recent years.
Just last year, they nabbed guard Tyler Booker with the 12th pick, and he immediately made an impact upfront for this team. The Cowboys could follow that same path while removing a question mark at tackle.
Steele still has two years left on his deal, making $18 million in 2026 and $21 million in 2027. That's a pretty penny for a player who has been underwhelming. The Cowboys must turn over every stone, and if that involves turning the page on Steele in favor of salary cap relief, so be it. There are cheaper options at tackle, and the Cowboys would be wise to consider them — especially if they end up being more reliable than No. 78.