Terence

Steele

Steele agreed to take a paycut to stay in Dallas. Per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, he is now set to make $33 million over the next three years, down from $48.5 million. He can also make another $3 million back, presumably through incentives. The Cowboys, in return, guaranteed $22 million of his remaining money. They created roughly $13 million in cap space.

According to Slater, this is “not considered a major injury,” but we know these injuries can take some time to recover. We’ll see how long “a few days” ends up being, but the sixth-year tackle should have plenty of time to be ready come Week 1 based on these reports.

Per ESPN’s Field Yates, the move clears up $4.5 million in cap space for Dallas. The Cowboys’ long-term right tackle signed a five-year, $86.8 million extension last offseason.

The new deal comes with $50 million guaranteed and makes Steele one of the highest paid right tackles at $17.4 million per year. Steele has started all three seasons since entering the league as an UDFA in 2020 and is now signed with Dallas through 2027. With Steele, OL Zack Martin, and CB Trevon Diggs all signed, the Cowboys will turn to extensions for Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb.

It was a little surprising that there was any talk of him being ready for camp after tearing his ACL in December, but Steele was regarded as being ahead of schedule in his rehab. He’s a PUP list possibility, but the optimistic talk means he has a chance to be ready for the start of the season.

Steele is expected back for the start of training camp despite a December ACL tear. His health will be a big deal for the Dallas run game. The Cowboys will be counting on Steele in his walk year as the alternative would likely see them using one of Tyler or Tyron Smith at right tackle.

Gehlken adds that the electric right tackle appears to be ahead of schedule following surgery to address a torn ACL suffered in December. Executive Vice President Stephen Jones recently stated that he expects Steele back for the start of training camp. Steele’s presence would be a welcome development considering the recent reports out of Dallas hinting at a team dedicated to establishing the run moving forward.

That sounds like an aggressive and optimistic timeline considering Steele tore his ACL in the middle of December. “He’s doing unbelievable with his rehab. He’s done as well as anybody that we’ve ever had in terms of his rehab and his diligence. We don’t expect any hiccups there,” Jones said. We still think Steele is a candidate to start on PUP, but this isn’t quite as bad of an injury for lineman as it would be for a wideout or running back.

Steele was having a strong season as the Cowboys’ starting right tackle. It’s an unfortunate loss for a team with Super Bowl ambitions. Steele is set to become a restricted free agent after the year, so the timing of the injury is unfortunate. His status for Week 1 of 2023 is likely up in the air, given how late in the season he suffered the injury. Steele was replaced by Josh Ball, who will likely take over going forward this season.

It’s potentially a season-ending injury for Steele, who has stepped in and played quite well for Dallas this season. He’s set to be a restricted free agent after the season and the 25-year-old could potentially be a target for other teams if this injury isn’t too serious. While Josh Ball originally replaced Steele, Jason Peters played right tackle on the final drive against the Texans.