Cowboys 2026 roster rundown: OT Terence Steele

May 21, 2026 - 02:37

The Dallas Cowboys have a lot of moving parts heading into the 2026 season, and one of the more intriguing storylines is the status of right tackle Terence Steele. After signing a five-year extension in 2023, Steele has been a steady presence on the offensive line, but his trajectory has been a bit uneven since returning from a major knee injury suffered late in the 2022 season.

Steele's 2024 campaign showed flashes of the mauling run blocker he was before the injury, but he also struggled at times in pass protection against elite edge rushers. The Cowboys offensive line is in a state of transition. With Zack Martin retired and Tyron Smith gone, the unit is leaning on younger players like Tyler Smith and rookie draft picks. That puts more pressure on Steele to be a veteran anchor on the right side.

The question is whether he can return to his pre-injury form consistently. If he does, the Cowboys have a solid bookend opposite their first-round left tackle. If not, the front office may need to start planning for a future replacement. For now, the team is betting on his work ethic and familiarity with the system. Steele has the size and the mentality to succeed, but the 2026 season will likely define his long-term role in Dallas. Fans are watching closely to see if he can hold down the line and help open up the running game for the new backfield committee.