Jones heads to Dallas as potential option

By Josh Ortega

With the NFL Preseason wrapping up, the Dallas Cowboys have made a move to add depth to their offensive line by trading for former 2023 first-round pick Broderick Jones of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Dallas sent over a 2027 third-round pick and a 2027 sixth-round pick to Pittsburgh in exchange for Jones and a 2027 fourth-round pick Saturday evening. 

The Cowboys wrapped up preseason play with a 27-24 loss to the New Orleans Saints Friday night. Dallas Cowboys Owner, President and General Manager Jerry Jones emphasized the team would continue to be aggressive in making moves to add to the roster. Less than 24 hours later, Dallas added Jones, who has had a series of peaks and valleys in his three years in the NFL. 

As mentioned previously, Jones was taken inside the top 15 in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft coming out of Georgia. Pittsburgh traded up with New England to secure the 14th overall pick and draft him. He was the third tackle taken off the board while being one of four to be drafted in the first round. As a draft prospect, Jones was viewed as still raw, but his role as a staple on the Georgia offensive line that won back-to-back National Championships in 2021 and 2022, combined with his high-value traits and size, made him a top 20 talent among draft analysts at the time. Jones only allowed two sacks throughout his entire collegiate career. With his pedigree of helping the Bulldogs reach the heights of college football in back-to-back years, Jones saw action early for Pittsburgh. 

As a rookie, Jones played in 17 games starting 11 at right tackle for the Steelers as a week-one starter. He only allowed four sacks as a rookie while playing at both right and left tackle across the year. Jones helped anchor an offensive unit that ranked as a top five unit in the run game after week nine that season, as well as part of the front five that did not allow a sack in two games while allowing just one in four. The Steelers would make the postseason that season but were eliminated in the first round of the AFC Wild Card round by the Buffalo Bills 31-17. However, Jones did struggle at times in pass protection in what was seen as a development year as a rookie. Nonetheless, he did flash foundational parts of his game that the team could continue to develop. 

Despite Jones’ play heading into year two, the Steelers saw Jones as a pivotal piece at left tackle. Pittsburgh drafted Washington tackle Troy Fautanu in the first round to bookend right tackle for the team with Jones on the left. Jones saw himself starting week one again for Pittsburgh, but in the team’s second game of the season he was benched against Denver after committing three penalties in six plays. He would get the chance to start again not long after due to an injury on the offensive line, which saw him play in 17 games, starting 16 in his second season. Pittsburgh once again made the post season. However, despite moments of great play for Jones — as in Week 10 against the Washington Commanders in which he did not allow a pressure, sack or a quarterback hurry — there were also moments in which his play dipped across the season. 

Heading into his third season in the Steel City, a lot of the peaks and valleys continued for Jones. Once again being named a week one starter for Pittsburgh, Jones allowed three sacks in the Steelers’ 34-32 win over the New York Jets to start the season. Three days later, then Pittsburgh Head Coach Mike Tomlin expressed no worries about Jones’ confidence level given his play to start the season. Jones rebounded throughout the rest of the season, only allowing three sacks across eight games before a neck injury ultimately ended his third season short. Jones missed the remainder of the season, totaling 11 starts in 11 games. Pittsburgh ultimately declined his fifth-year option, making him a free agent following the 2026 season. 

The Steelers made a coaching change, parting ways with longtime Head Coach Mike Tomlin and hiring former Green Bay Packers and Dallas Cowboys Head Coach Mike McCarthy. Pittsburgh would also draft Arizona State tackle Max Iheanachor in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft while moving Troy Fautanu to left tackle during training camp this summer. 

Jones started training camp this summer limited by his neck injury and struggled to regain form as camp went on in Pittsburgh. Jones saw action in all three of Pittsburgh’s preseason games this season — he totaled over 100 snaps — but in the Steelers preseason finale against the Bills, he allowed three sacks in the team’s 28-27 loss in Western New York. 

Jones heads to Dallas as a potential option at swing tackle. Jones also adds depth with his ability to play on both sides of the line. Former 2024 first-round pick Tyler Guyton won the left tackle spot for Dallas after a camp battle this offseason. 

Sixth year right tackle Terence Steele is expected to be the starter at right tackle after a nice camp and inking a three-year, $33 million revised extension this summer. Dallas finished last season 16th in rushing attempts and top 10 in yards per game last season. If there is any area for Jones to see action, barring any injury, it could be in the run game as he continues to develop in a new change of scenery.