One of the most disappointing Dallas Cowboys seasons in recent memory is finally over. While it's unfortunate that Dak Prescott won't play football for the next nine months, it's a blessing that fans don't have to watch another snap of the 2025 Cowboys defense.
Now, the front office and Brian Schottenheimer can turn the page to 2026. Part of the evaluation process will be about whether to bring back Matt Eberflus, but they also have big conversations to have about some players who are currently under contract.
The Cowboys have already parted ways with Trevon Diggs, whom they signed to a $97 million contract just a few years ago. As the front office looks to create more cap flexibility, right tackle Terence Steele could be next up on the chopping block.
The Cowboys can finally get out of Terence Steele's contract
Steele inked a five-year, $82.5 million contract with $50 million guaranteed before the 2023 season. While he hasn't missed a game since signing, he hasn't lived up to the deal. He ranks 12th and 5th, respectively, among right tackles in annual salary and guaranteed money.
From a pass-blocking standpoint, the return on investment just hasn't been there. Among 37 tackles that have logged at least 500 pass-blocking snaps, Steele has allowed the ninth-most sacks (three), third-most quarterback hits (nine), and seventh-worst pass-blocking efficiency (95.9), per PFF.
The Cowboys can cut Steele with a post-June 1 designation and save $14 million against the cap while absorbing just $4 million in dead money. It would create a hole at right tackle, but Dallas can get an equal-to-similar level of play at a much lower cost.
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Whether that's Tyler Guyton if they move Tyler Smith to left tackle, Nate Thomas, or someone not currently on the roster, the Cowboys aren't without options. Regardless, moving on from Steele will absolutely be part of the decision-making process.
Before the season, Jerry Jones circled Steele and Trevon Diggs as two contracts he got out in front of, but haven't paid off. While Steele hasn’t caused the same headaches or friction within the front office as Diggs, the quote affirmed that he will be watched closely in 2025. As steady as Steele has been as a run-blocker, the consistency in pass protection simply hasn’t been there.
It’s not a sure thing that Steele will be cut this offseason, but when you factor in the potential cap savings and Jones’ remarks, it’s clearly on the table.