Pittsburgh Steelers Part Ways with Broderick Jones

The NFL landscape shifted significantly on Saturday as the Pittsburgh Steelers announced their decision to trade offensive tackle Broderick Jones to the Dallas Cowboys. This headline-making move comes as Jones prepares to enter the final season of his expiring rookie contract, a condition that has sparked intrigue about his future in the league.

The Details of the Trade

According to reports from ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Steelers traded Jones for a third-round pick and a sixth-round pick while the Cowboys also secured a fourth-rounder in the transaction. Additionally, the Cowboys released wide receiver Denzel Mims on the same day, as reported by Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News. The trades come on the heels of a challenging time for the Cowboys, particularly following outside linebacker Marist Liufau's recent injury, which requires surgery and could leave him sidelined for a significant portion of the season.

Jones's Journey in Pittsburgh

Selected as the No. 14 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, Jones played a critical role during his first three seasons with the Steelers. Over that span, he participated in 45 games, starting 38 of them. In 2025, he started 11 games before a neck injury cut his season short, raising questions about his durability and readiness moving forward.

This trend of injuries led the Steelers to decline the fifth-year option on his rookie contract earlier this spring. Reports indicated that he had suffered a setback in his recovery from the neck injury, which kept him largely out of offseason activities. Although he was cleared in time for training camp, he struggled to regain his form, notably giving up two sacks in a preseason match against the New York Jets.

Changing Dynamics for the Steelers

The unfolding events have impacted the Steelers' offensive line structure. The team moved Troy Fautanu to left tackle, effectively pushing Jones out of his starting position. Furthermore, the Steelers added a promising right tackle in Max Iheanachor during the first round of the 2026 draft, further complicating Jones's standing on the roster.

Opportunities in Dallas

For the Cowboys, acquiring Jones may signal an opportunity to bolster their offensive line ahead of the season opener. Currently, Tyler Guyton appears to be a lock at left tackle, but Jones brings the versatility needed to compete with Terence Steele for the right tackle position. The Cowboys have been proactive in adapting their roster to navigate injuries and enhance their chances for success, with the NFL roster cutdown deadline looming on Sunday at 6 p.m. ET.

Looking Ahead

As the Cowboys prepare for their season opener against the New York Giants on September 13, integrating Jones into their lineup will be a critical focus. The coaching staff will need to judiciously evaluate where he fits within their tackle depth chart to optimize performance early in the season.

This trade marks a new chapter for Broderick Jones, who now has the chance to redefine his career in Dallas. For the Cowboys, it is a timely move aimed at strengthening their offensive line in a competitive NFC East environment.