Cowboys Acquire Offensive Tackle Broderick Jones from Steelers in Draft Pick Swap
The Steelers traded offensive tackle Broderick Jones and a fourth-round pick to the Cowboys for third- and sixth-round selections. Jones, a 2023 first-round pick, missed the final six games of 2025 with a neck injury. Dallas gains depth at tackle, while Pittsburgh moves on from a player with an uncertain future.
Jones arrives in Dallas having started 38 games across three NFL seasons, though his 2025 campaign ended prematurely due to a neck injury that sidelined him for the final six contests. The Cowboys already boast a solid offensive line, so Jones projects as a swing tackle who could push for the right tackle job during training camp. His rookie contract expires after the 2026 season, meaning Dallas faces limited long-term commitment if he fails to regain his previous form.
For Pittsburgh, the trade continues a roster overhaul along the offensive front. The Steelers had already shifted Troy Fautanu to left tackle and selected Max Iheanachor in the first round of the 2026 draft, making Jones expendable. The additional draft capital could prove valuable in 2027, a draft class widely expected to be deep, potentially giving Pittsburgh ammunition to move up for a quarterback of the future.
This trade reflects the broader NFL trend of teams prioritizing draft capital and roster flexibility over retaining players with uncertain health outlooks. For Cowboys fans, the move may provide reassurance about offensive line depth heading into a grueling season, while Steelers supporters could view it as a pragmatic step toward rebuilding. The deal's ripple effects may be felt most in 2027, when Pittsburgh's extra picks could shape the franchise's trajectory.