One of the biggest ironies regarding the Cowboys’ contract troubles is this. Dallas has a tendency to play coy, let talks run on, and then resolve the matter when some sort of deadline looms—much like the organization handled negotiations with quarterback Dak Prescott or wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. These players are plainly deserving of, and inevitably get, top-of-the-market salaries.
However, for mediocre or injured players, who the Cowboys could probably wait out before signing a big contract? To their sometimes detriment, the Cowboys do indeed stay ahead of the curve there. That was the situation with lineman Terence Steele last season, who struggled to recover from a torn ACL and was awarded a $82.5 million contract extension (per Spotrac) in September of 2023.
After recovering from the injury, Steele struggled, receiving a 50.8 grade from Pro Football Focus as a blocker, placing him 256th out of 329 rated linemen for the season. When considering all linemen who have played at least 1,000 snaps, Steele received the fourth-worst grade.
Despite everything, the Cowboys moved this week to cut Steele’s enormous, albatross contract, clearing some cap space by turning his $4.5 million 2024 salary into a signing bonus.
Despite everything, the Cowboys moved this week to cut Steele’s enormous, albatross contract, clearing some cap space by turning his $4.5 million 2024 salary into a signing bonus.
“The Cowboys have reworked the contract of right tackle Terence Steele, opening up $4.5 million in salary cap space,” tweeted Todd Archer of ESPN, citing sources for the information. Include that in the cap space saved on Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb contracts this year, along with the estimated $20 million or more that will likely be carried over to 2025.
Put another way, don’t hold your breath if you think the Cowboys moved for Steele in an attempt to acquire players like unhappy Jets pass rusher Haason Reddick or potentially unhappy receiver Davante Adams. Micah Parsons, a talented linebacker, is still under contract with the Cowboys.
Additionally, Steele, who started at right tackle and participated in all 63 offensive snaps there in Week 1, is not anticipated to be moved.
To be fair to the Cowboys, Steele has the potential to justify his large contract if he can fully recover from his knee ailment. Steele was receiving praise for his performance throughout training camp only three weeks ago.
In August, head coach Mike McCarthy declared, “I think this is his best camp as a Dallas Cowboy.” “You can clearly see the things he is still working on.”
The fact that just $50 million of Steele’s contract is guaranteed means that, even if he doesn’t perform up to expectations this season, the Cowboys will still be able to avoid paying him after the following season. Of course, five years and $82.5 million seems like a lot more money than Steele’s contract, which is basically three years and $50 million, should he perform poorly.
Despite allowing a sack in Week 1, Steele did not receive a penalty call. With a PFF of 67.9, he was rated second-best among Cowboys players.
Steele was pleased with his overall body of work last season, despite being regularly mocked for his performance—particularly after giving up four sacks in a Week 5 defeat to the Eagles.
According to Steele, “I was six months removed from surgery,” the Cowboys website reported. “I experienced some highs and lows, but not everyone recovers from an accident as quickly as I did. Individuals of my size typically don’t return that quickly. I’m pleased with the work I did.
