The biggest shock in Dallas isn’t a new star signing. It is a former first-round pick getting traded away by Pittsburgh. The Steelers moved Broderick Jones to the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday. This swap brings a player back from a scary neck injury to the Big D. It is a bold move for a team that needs help right now.
A Risky Deal for a Top Tackle
Jones was the starting left tackle for Pittsburgh until a brutal hit in Week 11. He suffered a season-ending neck injury against the Chicago Bears. After surgery, he came back to practice but never started again. The Steelers decided to let him go. They sent him and a fourth-round pick to Dallas. In return, they get a future third- and sixth-round pick. Per ESPN, this trade happened after the team picked a new tackle named Max Iheanachor.
Why did Pittsburgh walk away? They declined his fifth-year option. They also moved Troy Fautanu to the left side. Jones played right tackle as a backup before the deal. He started 38 games in three seasons. Now he starts fresh in Dallas. The Cowboys get a high-upside player who is still healing.
McCarthy’s Take on Recovery
Coach Mike McCarthy knew Jones was not 100 percent when he returned. He spoke about the process early in training camp. “I think it speaks volume for Broderick and what he’s been doing here the last couple of months,” McCarthy said. The coach understands the timeline. You cannot rush a player off medical clearance. “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,” he added.
That caution is why Jones sat out the rest of the season. He was learning how to move again. Now he is in a new city with a new plan. The Cowboys need a left tackle who can block for Dak Prescott. Jones has the talent. He just needs to get his body right. He admits he is still working through the process. “I’m still working through it,” Jones said. He knows he has more to do. “I wouldn’t say I’m where I want to be at.” Attempting to regain fitness while ensuring weight returns to appropriate areas.
This trade changes the offensive line depth chart. Dallas gets a young tackle with first-round pedigree. Pittsburgh clears space for their new starter. The risk is real. Jones has not played a full season since 2023. But the reward could be huge. If he stays healthy, he becomes a cornerstone. The Cowboys are betting on his past success. They believe the neck injury is behind him.
