PITTSBURGH -- The Steelers have moved on from 2023 first-round pick Broderick Jones, trading him to the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.
The Steelers are sending Jones and a fourth-round pick to the Cowboys in exchange for a future third- and sixth-round pick, sources told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.
Jones, whom the Steelers selected after trading up for the No. 14 pick, was the team's starting left tackle in 2025 until he suffered a season-ending neck injury in Week 11 against the Chicago Bears. After a lengthy recovery from the resulting spinal fusion surgery, Jones was cleared to resume football activities at the start of training camp, but he struggled to return to form.
"I think it speaks volume for Broderick and what he's been doing here the last couple of months," coach Mike McCarthy said early in training camp. "So I just think, like anything, when a player comes off of a medical clearance, you can't just go to a hundred miles an hour."
While Jones was sidelined in the offseason, the Steelers declined his fifth-year option and used their 2026 first-round pick on tackle Max Iheanachor. They also elected to move 2024 first-round pick Troy Fautanu from right tackle to left tackle.
Jones primarily took backup reps at right tackle once he returned, though McCarthy stressed the importance of Jones' versatility with his experience at both left and right tackle. Jones, who started 38 games in three seasons, projected to be a backup going into the 2026 season with Fautanu starting at left and former undrafted free agent Dylan Cook taking most of the starting right tackle reps throughout training camp. Iheanachor missed two preseason games and the bulk of training camp with an undisclosed injury, but he showed promise in his first game action during Week 3 of the preseason.
Though Jones returned to full practice participation at the start of training camp, the Georgia product said he was still regaining his strength and technique after the long layoff.
"I'm still working through it," Jones said in July. "I wouldn't say I'm where I want to be at. Just trying to get back in shape and putting the weight back on in the right places."
After Friday's preseason finale against the Saints, owner and general manager Jerry Jones said the Cowboys would be "very, very aggressive," in how they look to fill out their roster.
They have wanted to upgrade the swing tackle spot after Nate Thomas was unable to get involved in the competition at left tackle. He moved to right tackle late in the team's time in Oxnard, California, and took some snaps with the first teamers, but Terence Steele took all of the snaps with the No. 1 offense in the two practices at The Star this week.
The Cowboys selected Penn State tackle Drew Shelton in the fourth round, but he might be more of a project as a rookie as he gains strength and experience.
Steele signed a revised deal in the offseason worth $33 million over three years and a $10.5 million signing bonus, effectively lowering his base salary while putting guaranteed money in his pocket. Brian Schottenheimer spoke during camp about some inconsistencies from Steele, while offensive coordinator Klayton Adams wondered if they gave him fewer practice reps if it would allow him to be better.
Steele has started every game the last three years at right tackle and 91 of 96 games for his career.
Jones can come in as the Cowboys' swing tackle and potentially become competition for Steele as the season develops.