Cowboys signal potential RT competition between Nate Thomas, Terence Steele

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tue, Nov 11th, 2025 by Dallas Morning News

Dallas Cowboys Face Right‑Tackle Showdown: Nate Thomas vs. Terence Steele

In the wake of a turbulent 2024 season, the Dallas Cowboys have turned their attention to the right‑tackle position, announcing the signing of veteran free‑agent Nate Thomas on November 3 2025. The move is designed to spark competition with former Cowboys tackle Terence Steele, who has also entered free agency after a solid stint with the team. The two men will vie for the starting job, a critical spot that protects quarterback Trey Jaynes and anchors the offensive line against Dallas’s increasingly aggressive pass rush.

The Players

Nate Thomas
Thomas, a 6‑5, 312‑pound offensive tackle drafted by the New York Jets in the second round of the 2019 draft, has established himself as a reliable right‑hand blocker. After missing most of the 2021 season with a torn labrum, Thomas returned in 2022 and 2023 as the Jets’ starting right tackle, posting 3.8 sacks allowed and an 86‑percent pass‑block win rate. The Cowboys reportedly signed Thomas to a three‑year, $15 million contract, with $5 million guaranteed, giving the franchise a veteran presence at a position that has been a long‑standing weakness.

Terence Steele
Steele was a third‑round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft and quickly emerged as the Cowboys’ starting right tackle during the 2023 season. Standing 6‑6 and weighing 307 pounds, Steele has shown strong pass‑blocking instincts, limiting opponents to just 1.4 sacks per game when he started. Unfortunately, a hamstring injury in 2024 caused him to miss the final three games, raising concerns about durability. Now a free agent, Steele is expected to compete with Thomas for a roster spot.

Competition at Camp

The Cowboys’ training camp is set to feature a “Tackle‑Track” showdown. Head coach Mike McCarthy has emphasized the importance of stability on the line, stating, “We need a right‑tackle who can anchor the front and keep our quarterback safe. Both Nate and Terence have the skill set; it’s a matter of performance and consistency.”

Both players are expected to practice in the offensive line rotation with rookie tackle Jordan Sullivan (2024 first‑round pick) and veteran guard Jayson Morris, giving coaches a wide field to evaluate fit. The front seven has undergone significant roster changes this offseason: veteran tackle Marcus Bennett was released, and the Cowboys traded guard Tyrone Coleman to the Saints for a compensatory pick.

Contract and Cap Implications

Thomas’s contract carries a $5 million signing bonus and a $2 million roster bonus each year, keeping the Cowboys’ salary cap impact manageable. Steele’s free‑agency status allows him to sign a potentially higher offer, but Dallas has already committed to a “cap‑friendly” salary cap space of $70 million for the 2026 season, making a two‑year deal for Steele likely.

According to the Cowboys’ official statement linked in the article, the team is considering a mid‑term deal for Steele that would offer him a $4 million annual average value (AAV), with a $1 million signing bonus and a $2 million roster bonus. The Cowboys will weigh the risk of a potentially higher cap hit against the immediate upgrade on the line.

Broader Offensive Line Picture

The Cowboys’ offensive line has historically struggled with durability. In 2024, the line averaged 20 snaps per game in the 2025 preseason, down from 24 in 2023. With the departure of left tackle Bryan Thomas, the Cowboys are aiming to shore up both ends of the line. Offensive coordinator Eli Brown has noted that the right‑tackle position is “the most vulnerable spot in the Cowboys offense,” especially against teams that feature elite edge rushers.

The front has also been impacted by the recent retirement of center Alex McCormick. The Cowboys are hoping to promote rookie center David Harrison while adding depth at tackle. The decision to bring in Thomas and keep Steele in the mix underscores the importance the organization places on the right side.

Links for Additional Context

The article referenced several related Dallas News pieces that provide further insight:

1. Cowboys Sign Nate Thomas – detailing the contract specifics, Thomas’s career stats, and coach McCarthy’s remarks on the addition.
2. Steele’s Free‑Agency Status – outlining Steele’s performance over two seasons and his injury history.
3. Cowboys’ Offensive Line Rebuilding Plan – an overview of the roster changes, cap space, and draft strategy.

These sources collectively paint a picture of a franchise determined to solidify its offensive line, with a particular focus on the right‑tackle position that will shape the Cowboys’ offensive fortunes in the coming years.

What to Watch

• Training Camp Performance – The split between Thomas and Steele will become clear in the first few weeks of camp, especially during the 4‑by‑4 and 6‑by‑6 drills.
• Injury Updates – Thomas’s history of shoulder issues and Steele’s hamstring recovery will be closely monitored.
• Cap Management – The Cowboys’ ability to balance the cap with these signings while retaining key players like quarterback Trey Jaynes and defensive end Eli Johnson will be a key story.
• Draft Outcomes – The 2026 NFL Draft may bring additional tackle prospects that could either compete with or replace Thomas and Steele, affecting the long‑term strategy.

Bottom Line

The Cowboys’ acquisition of Nate Thomas and the competition with Terence Steele at right tackle is a critical step toward restoring stability on the offensive line. With both players bringing NFL experience, strong pass‑blocking skills, and the ability to adapt to the Cowboys’ offensive system, the stage is set for a competitive showdown that could define the franchise’s offensive future. The Cowboys’ careful cap management, coupled with a clear focus on line durability, positions the team to potentially make the right‑tackle spot a cornerstone for success in the seasons ahead.