Ahead of the 2026 regular season, the Dallas Cowboys are reinforcing their front line by bringing in a former first-round selection. Reports from ESPN indicate that the franchise has finalized a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers to acquire offensive tackle Broderick Jones. To secure the tackle, Dallas is sending their 2027 third- and sixth-round draft choices to Pittsburgh, with the Steelers package also including a 2027 fourth-round selection accompanying Jones to finalize the transaction.
After securing two national titles with Georgia, Jones was selected 14th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. During his debut season, he participated in 17 matchups with 11 starts, transitioning into a full-time starter in his second year. In 2025, he started in each of his 11 appearances until a neck injury suffered during a Week 12 contest against the Chicago Bears landed him on injured reserve in late November.
Prior to his injury, data from TruMedia shows that Jones allowed six sacks and 23 pressures during the 2025 campaign. This followed his 2024 performance, where he gave up 11 sacks across 17 games.
Indications that Pittsburgh would move on from Jones had been building for some time. In April, the franchise opted not to pick up his fifth-year option, putting him on track to hit unrestricted free agency after the 2026 season. Additionally, the Steelers drafted tackle Max Iheanachor with the 21st pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, positioning him to step into the right tackle role across from 2024 first-round left tackle Troy Fautanu.
For Dallas, the trade brings in a highly touted former first-rounder to bolster their offensive line depth, particularly as backup support for right tackle Terence Steele. Signed through the 2028 season, Steele has allowed 16 sacks and 88 total pressures over the previous two years.
Broderick Jones Trade Evaluation
Steelers: B
Pittsburgh had already begun transitioning away from Jones prior to this deal, investing early draft assets into the tackle position over several seasons, including drafting Iheanachor this past spring. With a succession plan established internally and his fifth-year option turned down, Jones’ departure from Pittsburgh was inevitable. Under these conditions, the Steelers secure a solid return, gaining two draft picks in an anticipated deep 2027 draft class. Although they part with a 2027 fourth-round choice, climbing from early Day 3 into the latter portion of Day 2 represents a significant gain.
Cowboys: B
This deal represents a balanced transaction for both franchises. While Pittsburgh secures future draft assets, Dallas addresses their immediate needs. Jones offers valuable versatility along the edge, having started on both the left and right sides during his time in the league. His arrival also injects competition and security behind Terence Steele at right tackle following Steele’s recent struggles. With a modest base salary of $1.5 million for 2026 before entering free agency next year, Jones serves as a highly affordable, high-quality depth option for the Cowboys.
