The Dallas Cowboys have ‘aggressively’ reshaped their roster ahead of the 2026 season, building a stronger offense and a revamped defense.  But one costly offseason move worth $33M is now facing scrutiny from an ESPN analyst. 

ESPN writer Bill Barnwell believes the Cowboys' re-signing of offensive tackle Terence Steele wasn't a good move, arguing about his lack of consistent production and his salary outweighing his on-field value. 

“While Steele was once a glowing example of Dallas’ ability to develop offensive linemen, the former undrafted free agent hasn’t been the same since suffering a multi-ligament knee injury at the end of the 2022 season,” Barnwell wrote. 

Steele was signed by the Cowboys as an undrafted free agent after the 2020 NFL Draft. In the 2022 season, though he started 13 games, he suffered a torn ACL and MCL in his left knee during the Week 14 game against the Houston Texans. 

“Steele is not a bad player, but this probably wasn’t the right fit for a team that needs to squeeze every bit of surplus value possible given how much it is paying its top five players,” he added.

Steele started all 17 games played and hasn't missed a game for the past three seasons.

He was previously signed to a five-year, $86.8M contract extension with the Cowboys in the 2023 season. 

At the time of the March 2026 restructure, he had three years remaining on this deal with a total base salary value of approximately $46.25M.

His contract was later restructured, which includes $22M in fully guaranteed money, a base value of $33M, and upside to $36M,  according to Tom Pelissero.

"The Cowboys could have cut Steele to avoid triggering his $13.3 million salary this offseason," Barnwell noted. "But instead, they signed the incumbent tackle to a three-year, $33 million deal, paying the 28-year-old $13 million in cash this year in the process."

Barnwell believes that Steele wouldn't be able to get such a lucrative offer in free agency, and the Cowboys would owe him $22M in dead money if they let go of Steele after 2026.

But the Cowboys believe the addition of BT Jordan could help unlock a better version of Terence Steele.

BT Jordan’s Arrival Could Benefit Terence Steele Most

Pass-rushing specialist BT Jordan was also asked to coach the offensive tackles by the Cowboys' head coach, Brian Schottenheimer, along with the defenders.

Such a move was made to help the offensive linemen know about the pass rush plans. This would help them identify potential weaknesses or areas they can improve in their game, according to the Dallas Cowboys' official website.

"I loved it," Steele said via the Dallas Cowboys' official website. "You don't really hear that often. It was really cool to see that, and I definitely want to continue working with him and sharpening that skill."

Though Steele improved last year, earning an overall PFF grade of 62.6 and playing 100% of the offensive snaps of the season, questions remain whether his production meets his contract value.

What are your thoughts on Steele?

Follow Dallas Cowboys Community for more.

Written by

Archana Ramakrishnan

Edited by

Zaid Quraishi