The Future of Terence Steele: Will the Dallas Cowboys Keep the Reliable Offensive Tackle?
By Tony Adame | February 9, 2026
The future of Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Terence Steele is as uncertain as the plot twists in one of those classic “Choose Your Own Adventure” books from the 1980s. Much like those books where readers can flip through pages and select the course of action, the decision about what happens next for Steele in a Cowboys uniform is still up in the air.
As things stand, the smart money is likely on Steele playing at least one more season with the Cowboys, the team he’s been with since going undrafted in 2020. But with his hefty contract and the emergence of young talent on the Cowboys’ offensive line, the question remains: will Steele be a part of the Cowboys’ future for years to come, or is his time in Dallas running out?
A “Wait and See” Approach for Steele’s Future
According to Dan Rogers of Blogging the Boys, the best approach for the Cowboys might be to take a “Wait and See” strategy with Steele, avoiding any hasty decisions that could result in a dead cap hit of $9.375 million in 2026. Steele signed a 5-year, $86.8 million extension in September 2023, and while it would be financially costly to move on from him before 2026, the question remains whether keeping him for that season is worth it.
In 2025, Steele was a starter for every game, marking his 51st consecutive regular-season start. He’s played every single game for the Cowboys over the last three seasons, solidifying his spot on the right side of the offensive line. Despite this durability and consistency, Steele’s performance hasn’t been flawless, with his pass protection coming under scrutiny at times.
Steele’s Strengths: Powerful Run Blocker
One of the biggest strengths Steele brings to the table is his ability to run block. He remains a powerful force on the right side, helping open lanes for the Cowboys’ run game. This skill is particularly important for a team that relies on a balanced offensive attack. Steele is a valuable asset in the running game, and his ability to contribute to Rhamondre Stevenson and the running back committee is evident.
However, while Steele excels in the running game, his pass protection has sometimes faltered. This has been the cause of fan frustration, particularly given the significant expectations surrounding the Cowboys’ offensive line, which is one of the best in the NFL. The fact that Steele is regularly singled out for criticism, despite not being the only player with struggles, points to the high bar set for the team’s performance up front.
The Offensive Line’s Depth: Can Steele Hold His Spot?
Despite Steele’s solid contributions, the Cowboys’ offensive line is one of the best in the NFL, featuring several first-round picks. Tyler Booker, Tyler Smith, and Tyler Guyton are all first-round selections starting on the line, and Cooper Beebe, the starting center, was a third-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. This depth and talent could put pressure on Steele’s spot, especially if his performance doesn’t meet expectations.
Steele’s position has become a lightning rod for fan frustration, even though he’s been a reliable starter for several seasons. The bar is set incredibly high when you’re part of one of the most talented offensive lines in the league, and Steele’s moments of struggle—especially in pass protection—have led to calls for him to be replaced. But the question remains: can the Cowboys afford to move on from a player who has been so reliable for them, even if his performance isn’t perfect?
The Case for Keeping Steele: Stability vs. Youth Movement
As much as Steele has been criticized, he’s been remarkably durable and consistent over the past three seasons, which is no small feat in the NFL. He’s an integral part of the offensive line’s continuity, and his chemistry with the rest of the unit cannot be overlooked.
However, there’s a growing argument for youthful competition. Nate Thomas and Ajani Cornelius, two young tackles, are developing quickly and could soon challenge Steele for his spot. This opens up the possibility of the Cowboys looking to the future by giving younger players a chance to start. At the same time, this might also influence Steele’s future role, with some speculating that Campbell might be shifted to left guard in the future, even though he was drafted No. 4 overall as a tackle.
The Financial Decision: Should the Cowboys Commit to Steele for One More Year?
The Cowboys’ front office has a difficult decision ahead when it comes to Steele. His $14 million salary for 2026 is a considerable investment, but the financial hit of moving on from him could be much steeper. In 2026, the Cowboys face a first-place schedule, and if they want to compete for a Super Bowl, they’ll need their offensive line to be at its best. If Steele remains on the roster, it’s likely that he’ll have to improve in pass protection to keep his spot as the starter.
However, if the Cowboys feel that young players like Thomas and Cornelius are ready to step up, or if they see an opportunity to free up cap space for other positions, they could move on from Steele. The next few months of spring training and preseason will likely determine which direction the team goes in.
Conclusion: A Crucial Offseason for Terence Steele and the Cowboys
As the 2026 offseason approaches, Terence Steele’s future with the Dallas Cowboys remains uncertain. While he’s been a steady and reliable starter, his struggles in pass protection, combined with the team’s growing depth at offensive tackle, leave his status up in the air.
Mike Vrabel and the Cowboys front office have some tough decisions ahead. Should they stick with the veteran Steele for another year, or will they move on and give the younger players an opportunity to take over? The decision will likely come down to team needs, financial considerations, and whether Steele’s struggles in pass protection are something that can be corrected.
The coming months will be critical as the Cowboys look to finalize their offensive line heading into 2026, and Steele’s future will be a key storyline to follow.
