The Dallas Cowboys have acquired offensive tackle Broderick Jones from the Pittsburgh Steelers to bolster their offensive line depth.
To facilitate the trade, Pittsburgh sent Jones and a 2027 fourth-round draft pick to Dallas, CBS Sports and ESPN reported.
In exchange, the Cowboys sent a 2027 third-round draft choice and a 2027 sixth-round draft choice back to the Steelers.
Jones entered the professional league as the 14th overall pick in the 2023 draft after winning two national championships with Georgia.
He played in 17 games as a rookie and started 11 games in 2025 before suffering a season-ending neck injury that required spinal fusion surgery.
Pittsburgh subsequently declined his fifth-year option in April, leaving him set to become an unrestricted free agent after the 2026 season.
The Steelers also selected tackle Max Iheanachor with the 21st overall pick in the 2026 draft to take over the position.
While Jones returned to the field for training camp, he struggled to regain his technique and physical strength.
Describing his physical recovery in July, tackle Broderick Jones stated “I’m still working through it,” and later added “I wouldn’t say I’m where I want to be at,” per ESPN.
Discussing the slow integration process for players recovering from surgery, Steelers coach Mike McCarthy noted early in training camp that “when a player comes off of a medical clearance, you can’t just go to a hundred miles an hour,” according to ESPN.
Dallas sought an upgrade for their swing tackle position behind right tackle Terence Steele, who has struggled in recent years.
Steele remains under contract through 2028 but has given up 16 sacks and 88 total pressures over the last two seasons.
Following a preseason game, Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones announced that the team would be “very, very aggressive” in completing their roster, reported ESPN.