Cowboys RT Terence Steele speaks out after signing 5-year extension
It’s not often you see an undrafted free agent land a big money extension after just three seasons in the NFL. And yet, that’s exactly what Dallas Cowboys right tackle Terence Steele accomplished when he signed a five-year, $86.8 million deal which includes $50 million guaranteed Sunday.
For Steele, it represents all of the hard work he put in, and the journey which took him from unheralded three-star recruit to one of the best offensive linemen in the NFL.
“It makes me feel awesome,” Steele said Monday, via the team’s website. “It makes me feel like all of the hard work that I’ve put in has paid off. I also know that there’s more work to be put in so I won’t be complacent.”
Signed as an undrafted free agent in 2020 out of Texas Tech, Steele has been a mainstay on the right side of the line for three seasons, suiting up in 45 games (40 starts). Steele earned a 73.9 overall grade from Pro Football Focus in 2022, surrendering just one sack in 818 snaps.
Terence Steele back for 2023 season after ACL tear
He enters the 2023 campaign coming off an ACL injury which ended his 2022 season after 13 games. The Cowboys cleared Steele for training camp, not placing him on the physically unable to perform list.
“Just gave them my confidence in my knee coming back,” Steele said. “I’ve heard some people come back and they’re not the same, so I just wanted to make that a point coming back that I’ll keep progressing like I have.”
“It’s a blessing to even be here and to compete the way I am. It’s a testament to the work I’ve put in and the support from my family, friends, locker mates and coaches. It was a group effort and it all worked out, so I’m happy.”
Speaking with the media, Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy lauded Steele’s work ethic and said he earned every penny of his new deal.
“Terence Steele, the man, just look at his journey here,” McCarthy said. “His first year. He has earned everything. He’s someone we have a very high value tied to him and he’s earned his contract. Really proud of him. Just his work ethic, the way he goes about it. He’s improved every year. It says so much about him.”