As NFL free agency approaches, the Dallas Cowboys have taken steps to free up salary cap room by restructuring contracts for offensive lineman Terence Steele and safety Malik Hooker, according to sources familiar with the situation. These changes aim to better position the team for upcoming roster moves.
Details of Terence Steele’s Contract Restructuring
Steele’s revised contract will generate close to $13 million in cap relief for the Cowboys, including $22 million in fully guaranteed money. Before the restructure, Steele was set to earn over $46 million across the next three seasons, though none of that amount was secured. Steele, an undrafted player out of Texas Tech in 2020, has appeared in 96 games and started 91 during his six-year tenure with Dallas.
Malik Hooker’s Contract Changes and Impact
Meanwhile, the contract adjustment for Hooker, a former first-round pick who joined the Cowboys as a free agent in 2021, creates approximately $2 million in additional cap space. These restructures are part of Dallas’ strategy to maintain financial flexibility as they prepare for free agency.
Implications for the Team’s Roster and Financial Strategy
By restructuring the contracts of key players like Steele and Hooker, the Cowboys have significantly boosted their available cap space. This move provides Dallas with greater flexibility to pursue other players, enhance their roster depth, and remain competitive heading into the season.
In addition to the Terence Steele restructure, the Cowboys have also restructured safety Malik Hooker contract according to a person with knowledge of the deal.
— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) March 9, 2026
So the Cowboys have restructured the contract of one of their most reliable players. Terence Steele new deal is three-years $33 million that can reach $36 million total. He gets $22 million guaranteed a source confirms NFL Network report.
— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) March 9, 2026
