The Dallas Cowboys have signed right tackle Terence Steele to a five-year, $86.8 million extension, the team announced on Sunday. The deal includes $50 million guaranteed, making Steele the seventh-highest paid right tackle in the NFL.
Steele, 26, was an undrafted free agent out of Southern Methodist University in 2020. He started 16 games as a rookie and 15 games in 2021, before tearing his ACL in Week 14 of last season.
Despite the injury, the Cowboys were impressed with Steele’s performance and were eager to sign him to a long-term deal. He is expected to be a key part of the Cowboys’ offensive line for years to come.
“Terence is a rising star in the NFL,” Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said in a statement. “He’s a physical, athletic player who has the potential to be one of the best right tackles in the league.”
Steele is the latest in a line of undrafted free agents who have found success with the Cowboys. He joins the likes of Dak Prescott, Michael Gallup, and Tyron Smith as players who have made a significant impact on the team after being passed over in the draft.
The Cowboys are coming off a disappointing 12-5 season, but they are hoping that Steele’s extension will help them get back to the playoffs in 2023. With Dak Prescott healthy and a strong offensive line, the Cowboys have the potential to be a dangerous team.
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Here are some other details about the contract:
- The deal is worth $17 million per year on average, which puts Steele in the top 10 among right tackles.
- The contract is fully guaranteed for the first three years, and there is a $5 million guarantee in the fourth year.
- The deal could be worth up to $91.8 million if all of the incentives are met.
Steele is expected to make his return from the ACL injury in the 2023 season. He is a key part of the Cowboys’ offensive line, and his extension is a sign that the team is committed to winning.