Broderick Jones trade grades: Who won the Cowboys-Steelers deal?

The Pittsburgh Steelers recently traded 2023 first-round offensive tackle Broderick Jones to the Dallas Cowboys, per multiple reports. Jones played 38 games as a left and right tackle for the Steelers and accumulated 45 appearances across three seasons. However, changes within the Steelers organization, coupled with the team drafting tackle Max Iheanacho in April, made Jones a potential trade candidate during the summer. Now, Jones will serve as a depth tackle for the Cowboys before likely hitting free agency in 2027.

Breaking down the trade, the Cowboys sent the Steelers a third- and sixth-round pick for a fourth-rounder and Jones. Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) of ESPN reported the deal on August 29, 2026. Cowboys fans can find solace in the fact that they acquired a likely 2026 swing tackle in Jones, an advantageous addition for a team that cannot afford tackle play mishaps due to injuries.

Despite trading down from a third to a fourth round pick and sending a sixth in return for Jones, the Cowboys' move can be considered a reasonable business decision.

On the other hand, the Steelers did not have Jones in their future plans, so trading him instead of waiving him outright represents a win for the team. Upgrading a fourth rounder to a third and receiving a sixth round pick in return might not fully erase the memory of drafting Jones in the first round and not seeing him through his rookie deal. However, trading a former first rounder for less value than initially invested is never an easy decision.