The Dallas Cowboys made one of the most notable moves of the final days before the 2026 season by acquiring offensive tackle Broderick Jones from the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The trade, reported Saturday, Aug. 29, sends Jones and a fourth-round pick to Dallas, while Pittsburgh receives third- and sixth-round selections. The move comes just before roster cutdown day and gives the Cowboys additional depth along the offensive line.
What are the Cowboys getting in Broderick Jones?
Jones was selected 14th overall by Pittsburgh in the 2023 NFL Draft. During his three seasons with the Steelers, he appeared in 45 games and made 38 starts.
His arrival in Dallas gives a player who never fully established himself in Pittsburgh another opportunity after the Steelers invested a first-round pick in him.
The Cowboys are not necessarily acquiring Jones to make him an immediate starter. Their priority is adding depth at a critical position and securing an experienced option behind their primary tackles.
Why did Pittsburgh trade him?
Jones' future with the Steelers became less certain after Pittsburgh selected Max Iheanachor with the No. 21 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
During the preseason, Jones continued playing deep into games, another indication that his place on the roster was not completely secure.
Pittsburgh also declined his fifth-year option, leaving the former first-round pick facing additional uncertainty about his long-term future with the organization.
Jones also had a difficult 2025 season. He received a 57.7 overall grade from Pro Football Focus and allowed seven sacks. However, he remains young enough and experienced enough to rebuild his value.
A fresh start for Broderick Jones
The trade could be particularly important for Jones because he is not necessarily expected to carry the full responsibility from day one.
Dallas is expected to use Tyler Guyton and Terence Steele as its starting tackles, but the Cowboys needed more depth for a full 17-game season.
Jones can compete for the swing tackle role while also providing an experienced alternative if injuries or lineup changes occur.
Health will remain a factor
Jones missed six games during the 2025 season after suffering a neck injury against the Chicago Bears. He later underwent spinal fusion surgery during the offseason.
His recent injury history will be something Dallas must monitor carefully, especially because offensive-line continuity is important and any injury can quickly alter the rotation.
At the same time, the Cowboys are betting on the potential of a player who is still only 24 years old and was a first-round pick just three seasons ago.
What does the trade mean for Dallas?
The move gives the Cowboys more options before Week 1. Offensive-line depth can become extremely valuable during a 17-game season.
For Dallas, Jones provides another player with starting experience and an opportunity to create an internal competition for the swing tackle position.
The move also shows the Cowboys' willingness to use the trade market to address specific needs before the regular season begins.
Broderick Jones arrives with questions after his time in Pittsburgh, but he also receives an important opportunity. If he can regain the consistency he showed during portions of his first seasons, Dallas may have found a depth piece capable of becoming something more.