The Dallas Cowboys and right tackle Terence Steele have agreed on a five-year $86.8 million extension.
The contract includes $50 million in guaranteed money with over a $90 million max value.
Steele was undrafted in 2020 and has become an essential piece for the front line for the Cowboys. Adam Schefter was first on the news.
Cowboys and RT Terence Steele reached agreement on a five-year, $86.8 million contract extension that includes $50 million guaranteed, per sources. Deal has a max upside of up to $91.8 million. The contract was negotiated and confirmed by @ErikBurkhardt of @RocNationSports. pic.twitter.com/ifnAGbceSh
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 3, 2023
This surprised me. I thought CeeDee Lamb would be the next contract news I would write; instead, it is Steele.
Steele played college ball at Texas Tech, and since he jumped in the starting role in week 1 of 2020, it has been his ever since.
Even though his season was cut short in 2022 due to his torn ACL and MCL in week 14, he only allowed one sack in 439 pass-blocking snaps.
He is worth this deal, regardless.
He has recovered from that injury last season and is ready to play week one against the New York Giants on Sunday Night Football.
His hard work and dedication are why he was given this deal.
“I feel really strong. Feels like any other camp,” Steele mentioned this summer.
He also stated it feels as if he “never got hurt” as he has returned to the field.
You usually don't see undrafted offensive linemen get a deal this nice.
“He's a glue guy. He's really connected strongly, not only in the offensive line room but in the locker room. Terence is a stud.” Mike McCarthy said.
Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy said he hasn't seen a recovery like what RT Terence Steele (ACL) has done. “He hasn't missed a day, and it's just Terence. He's in there the same time every day, doing the rehab. It feels like he never left.” No-nonsense glue guy. “Terence is a stud.” pic.twitter.com/g2aOg25X8j
— Michael Gehlken (@GehlkenNFL) August 31, 2023
With Steele now locked down, the attention should shift to Lamb, who will be next on the list to get an extension.
Outside of Lamb, we could see movement with Dak Prescott and Micah Parsons.
Prescott's deal more than likely will ride on how well they do this season, but if they make the playoffs again, he won't go anyway. (They will).
The Cowboys offensive line is going to be really solid this season.
Tyler Smith is in his second year, Zack Martin is back, and Tyron Smith looks the best he's been in years.
We say that every year, but typically, something happens in training camp or preseason that will give us some pushback.
It didn't happen this season.
One thing we can agree on is this has been one of the most active offseason that Jerry Jones and the Cowboys have had since I can remember.
You trade for Stephon Gilmore and Brandin Cooks. Sign Trevon Diggs, Malik Hooker and Steele to extensions.
This season is going to be a fun one.
Everyone in that locker room is being taken care of, and this very well could be the best roster on both sides of the ball that Dallas has seen in a long time.
Results are the key though. None of this will matter if they don't reach at least the NFC title game. This is the best chance they've had in years.
As long as the Cowboys stay away from injuries on the offensive line, they will have a solid year.
Next Sunday can't get here fast enough, I am so happy football is back!
