NFL Rumors: Cowboys look to lock down key starter ‘for life’

The Cowboys are reportedly working on a new contract for offensive lineman Terence Steele, getting proactive to keep him in Dallas for the longterm.

While Tyron Smith and Zach Martin are still essential figures for the Cowboys going into the 2023 season, the Dallas offensive line is getting ready to enter a new era.

The likes of Tyler Biadasz, Tyler Smith and Terence Steele represent the future. So it’s good news that Steele is apparently in line for a long-term contract extension.

That news comes from CowboysSI.com with Mike Fisher reporting that Dallas is “in the midst of contract negotiations with offensive lineman Terence Steele, with both sides hoping for a sort of ‘Cowboy for Life’ deal.”

Cowboys are prepared to bet on Terrence Steele despite injury issues

Fisher’s report stats that “any concerns about Steele’s knee do not represent a great factor here,” but it must be said that Steele is coming off a torn ACL and MCL suffered in December of last year.

While rehab appears to be going well, the offensive lineman will still need time to get back into the form that made him one of the most effective run blockers in the league last season.

The Cowboys going to have to gamble on the 26-year-old to return from that injury no worse for wear.

Granted, it’s the right time for that gamble. Dallas has Steele under contract through the end of the 2023 season. They could lose him on the open market if they don’t get something done this offseason. The price may only go up if he comes back and shines in 2023.

Steele is set to make $4.3 million this year. According to Spotrac, his market value should command a deal of $52 million over four years, averaging $13 million per year. That would put him behind Martin but ahead of what Tyron Smith is making this year in terms of average.