"Steele has never really reached the "riches" end of this "rags" story, at least in terms of what he's brought to the Cowboys. He is indeed a very capable run blocker, at times among the better ones in the league. But we're two decades removed from the time when that could excuse being a consistent liability in pass protection. Steele turns 29 in June and is on his third offensive line coach, so the pass pro woes aren't going to get any better."
"Steele is set to count over $18 million against the 2026 salary cap and has only $9 million left in dead money on the contract. They can outright cut him for an immediate $8.75 million in cap savings, usable as soon as the free agent market opens in March, or do a June-1st cut for $14 million in relief that can be used further down the calendar."
Dallas needs personnel changes beyond adding talent, starting with the right tackle position. Steele provides strong run blocking but remains a consistent liability in pass protection. Steele will turn 29 in June and has cycled through three offensive line coaches without improvement, increasing vulnerability as athleticism declines. The contract carries over $18 million against the 2026 salary cap with only $9 million in dead money, allowing either an immediate cut for $8.75 million savings or a June 1 cut for $14 million relief. Replacement options include promoting Tyler Guyton, using Nathan Thomas as swing, drafting a starter, or signing a veteran.
Read at Blogging The Boys
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