Terence Steele has quietly exceeded Cowboys’ expectations for him in 2026

Dallas Cowboys right tackle Terence Steele has delivered a bounce-back 2026 campaign after entering the season as a perceived weak link, according to The Landry Hat's Jason Kandel. Despite offseason additions like Drew Shelton, Broderick Jones, and Wanya Morris providing competition, Steele has firmly retained his starting role. Kandel argues that the 29-year-old lineman has exceeded expectations and provided vital stability along Dallas' offensive line.

Statistically, Steele has significantly reduced his vulnerabilities in pass protection under offensive line coach Conor Riley. According to Next Gen Stats, Steele has surrendered just 13 pressures and registered a career-low 7.2% pressure rate through 2026. Given a potential $25 million dead cap hit if cut, Kandel writes that Steele's resurgence makes keeping him through 2027 the right move for Dallas.