The Pittsburgh Steelers have traded offensive tackle Broderick Jones to the Dallas Cowboys in a multi-pick draft swap, according to reports from ESPN and Adam Schefter. Under the terms of the deal, the Cowboys receive Jones alongside a 2027 fourth-round draft pick, while the Steelers acquire a 2027 third-round pick and a 2027 sixth-round pick.
Steelers Trade Broderick Jones to Dallas in Draft Pick Swap
The trade comes on the evening before final 53-man rosters are due around the NFL, providing a fresh start for a former first-round selection whose tenure in Pittsburgh was shaped by shifting line assignments and significant injuries.
Background and Injury History in Pittsburgh
The Steelers originally selected Jones out of Georgia with the 14th overall pick in the Nbcsports after trading up from pick No. 17. He appeared in 45 games across three seasons, making 38 starts. As a rookie, he played in 17 games with 11 starts, before taking on a full-time role in his second season.
However, Jones’ progress was disrupted during the 2025 season. He missed six games after sustaining a neck injury during a Week 12 loss to the Chicago Bears, landing on injured reserve in late November. The injury ultimately required spinal fusion surgery in the offseason. Although medically cleared and activated from the physically unable to perform list ahead of training camp, reports indicated he played the summer about 15 pounds underweight and lacked his previous strength.
Before his injury, Jones struggled to establish consistency on the line, surrendering 23 pressures and six sacks in 2025, following a 2024 campaign in which he allowed 11 sacks over 17 games. Earlier in the offseason, the Steelers declined to exercise the fifth-year option on his rookie contract, leaving him scheduled to make a $1.5 million base salary in the final year of his deal before hitting unrestricted free agency in 2027.
Roster Shifts and Replacement in Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh’s decision to part ways with Jones followed a series of high-draft-capital investments in offensive tackles. After drafting Jones in 2023 and Troy Fautanu in 2024, general manager Omar Khan’s front office selected Arizona State tackle Max Iheanachor with the 21st overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Khan noted that Jones’ injury status influenced the decision to draft Iheanachor in April. With Iheanachor joining the roster and Fautanu shifting to his primary role at left tackle, Jones faced an uncertain path to a starting job. In the deal, Pittsburgh secured future draft capital in a projected deep 2027 draft class while clearing a roster spot.
Cowboys Add Tackle Depth and Experience
For Dallas, the acquisition addresses an ongoing need for depth and competition along the offensive line. While veterans Tyler Guyton and Terence Steele are expected to handle starting duties at the tackle positions, the Cowboys sought reinforcement behind a unit that has experienced protection concerns in recent seasons.
Jones offers versatility having played both left and right tackle during his career, though he is expected to serve as a swing tackle option for Dallas. Because his contract carries a modest base salary for the upcoming season, the Cowboys acquire an affordable piece with first-round pedigree as he enters a crucial contract year to determine his future earning power.
