Broderick Jones trade grades for Cowboys, Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers looked at Broderick Jones as a powerful offensive lineman who could solidify their offensive line when they moved up in the 2023 NFL Draft to select the Georgia product. However, a neck injury sustained against the Chicago Bears last year have led the Steelers to move on from the former first-round pick.

The Steelers traded Jones and a fourth-round pick to the Dallas Cowboy for a future third- and sixth-round pick. The trade was first reported by ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter.

Jones had to endure spinal fusion surgery and that led to a long rehab process. He was finally allowed to resume football activities at the start of training camp, but it was difficult for Jones to return to form.

It seemed likely that the Steelers would move on from Jones in the offseason because they drafted tackle Max Iheanachor with their first-round pick. They also moved Troy Fautanu from right tackle to left tackle.

Jones seemed to be having issues with both his strength and technique after returning to practice this summer. He explained that it was taking time for him to find his form. “I’m still working through it,” Jones said. “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.”

Cowboys unhappy with their offensive line performance

The Cowboys are making the trade because they have significant concerns about their offensive line play. Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, who also serves as the team’s general manager, said the team was going to be very aggressive making moves prior to the start of the season because they wanted to upgrade their overall depth and play along the offensive line.

The Cowboys have Terrence Steele as their right tackle, but head coach Brian Schottenheimer has not been overly complimentary to the 6-6, 320-pound, 7-year veteran. Steele struggled with his pass protection last year.

As a result, if Jones can work himself back to a respectable level of strength and technique, he should have a good chance of getting significant playing time at some point in the season.

The Steelers are making a statement in trading a player who was still on his initial contract. They are telling the rest of the NFL that they don’t believe that Jones can get close to top form after suffering a serious injury. While they could be right, a neck injury could take longer to recover from and they could be getting rid of a player who just might need a bit longer to recover. If that is the case, they are making a significant mistake.

Trade grades

The Cowboys have not given up much to get a player who could be a key contributor to their offensive line depth if he can make a full recovery from his neck injury. He has done enough to participate in training camp activities for the Steelers, but he still has more distance to travel. If the Cowboys have patience with him and given him the time to regain his strength and technique, it could be a winning move. Grade: B-plus

The Steelers are giving up on a player that has been a contributor in the past. They don’t believe he will be able to recover, so they decided to take two future picks for him. There is nothing inspiring about this trade from the Pittsburgh perspective. Grade: C-minus