The Dallas Cowboys continue to move around the offices this offseason. And as expected, they continue to ensure the continuity of some elements of the house. This time, he has tagged offensive lineman Terence Steele. Who has signed the offer as a restricted free agent for the 2023 season.
With this move, the Cowboys secure a player who knows the organization very well and has evolved since he was an undrafted agent in 2020. Without a doubt, Steele has become a benchmark at right tackle. . And it is expected that he will continue helping the franchise in the championship that will start in a few months.
Offensive lineman Terence Steele signed the restricted free agent offer made to him by the #Cowboys for which he will play at least one more season for 4.3 million dollars
Steele has been a starter pretty much since he came to Dallas as a rookie Free People in 2020– Carlos Nava ESPN (@TapaNava) April 20, 2023
Regarding the financial aspect, Terence will be collecting 4.3 million for this 2023. And given this situation, in the offices they could calmly negotiate a long-term contract with the player now that they have been able to retain him.
This yes, also it will be necessary to see the way in which it can carry out after the surgery in his knee. According to Stephen Jones, his recovery is ahead of schedule so he could safely make it to training camp. Let’s not forget that Steele tore his ACL and MCL in mid-December in Week 14 against the Houston Texans.
Cowboys RT Terence Steele had the back of his left leg rolled up on pic.twitter.com/broeQvcYfa
— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) December 11, 2022
Likewise, we also have to wait for Steele’s future and the position he will occupy for the new campaign. Much is said about the possibility that the lineman could move to play guard on the left. And in the words of Jerry Jones just a few weeks ago, it was even mentioned that Terence could play swing tackle. Something that attracts a lot of attention since although Steele has worked very well these last two years on the right, the position may end up being awarded to veteran Tyron Smith. And as far as the left side is concerned, he’s going to keep Tyler Smith in his second year as a pro.
Going back to the topic that he could be a left guard, what is striking about the matter is that Steele has only played tackle in both his college and professional years. But given the departure of Connor McGovern to the Bills, the coaching staff is evaluating all possible options. It’s something that McCarthy himself told the media but it was only at an early stage. Since first you have to see if the player adapts to the position once he can receive a medical discharge.
Cowboys coach Mike McCarthy on cross training RT Terence Steele at guard: :I mean we’re talking about it. Yeah, we’re talking about it. We haven’t got in there with those guys yet. Offseason program starts in April, but yeah we’ll definitely … we’re looking at all those things.”
— Clarence Hill Jr (@clarencehilljr) March 28, 2023
According to Pro Football Focus, Terence ranked 23rd among all tackles in the NFL. This clearly represents a preview of his work in both the 2020 and 2021 seasons. In fact, in his rookie year he was heavily criticized for his lack of experience and all of his penalties. Since Steele had to step up thanks to a hip injury suffered by La’el Collins, who was the starting right tackle at the time. In any case, his evolution has been remarkable and as already mentioned. he is now one of the benchmarks on the offensive line.
However, with the situation of Tyron Smith, the work that Steele will do in 2023 is not known for sure. Everything will depend on what happens in the coming months. If he can be adapted to guard, he would be a great tool on the starting offensive line. But if he were to become the swing tackle, it would certainly be a setback for the player. Especially since he will become a free agent next year. Now, the most important thing about this whole thing is that Steele is going to stay in the organization for at least one more season. And with this the Cowboys have managed to retain another player from the house without problems.