"Head coach Brian Schottenheimer opened the door to a midseason change at that position. Schottenheimer said ( via Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News) an open competition will be held at right tackle. Such scenarios are of course commonplace during training camp, but when they emerge in the middle of a season they are more noteworthy. In this particular case, a high-profile benching is being considered."
"The 28-year-old has not met expectations since signing that deal, however. Pass blocking in particular has been an issue throughout Steele's career, and in 2025 his PFF grade in that department sits at 56.4. That is the third-worst figure of his NFL tenure, and it has no doubt played a role in Cowboys' decision to contemplate a switch. 2024 seventh-rounder Nathan Thomas is the likeliest candidate to take on first-team duties in the event Steele is benched."
"In the bigger picture, of course, moving Steele to the bench would lead to questions about a parting of ways during the offseason. The Texas Tech product is not owed any guaranteed salary beyond 2025, and a post-June 1 release in particular would yield notable cap savings this coming spring. It will be interesting to see if such a move receives consideration by means of a"
The Cowboys may replace their right tackle after the bye, as head coach Brian Schottenheimer opened an open competition at the position. Terence Steele has been the primary right tackle across six seasons, starting 83 games and signing a five-year, $82.5 million extension through 2028. Steele's pass-blocking performance has slid, with a 2025 PFF grade of 56.4, the third-worst of his career. 2024 seventh-round pick Nathan Thomas is the most likely replacement, though he has only 96 offensive snaps in 2025. A benching could foreshadow an offseason split and yield cap savings with a post-June 1 release.
Read at Pro Football Rumors
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