Cowboys & Steelers Make Surprise Trade, Latest Details on Return Ahead of Roster Cuts Deadline

The Pittsburgh Steelers moved on from offensive tackle Broderick Jones by trading him to the Dallas Cowboys ahead of the final season of his expiring rookie contract.

ESPN's Adam Schefter and Jeremy Fowler first reported the details on Saturday.

The Cowboys also released wide receiver Denzel Mims Saturday, according to Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News.

The moves come after Cowboys coach Brian Schottenheimer said Friday outside linebacker Marist Liufau had suffered a fractured forearm necessitating surgery.

The Cowboys could use one of two IR spots for Liufau if he is expected to miss at least the first four games of the season.

Jones, the No. 14 pick of the 2023 draft, played the first three seasons of his NFL career for the Steelers.

He started 11 games in 2025 before he was shut down for the season with a neck injury.

Jones arrives in Dallas having played in 45 games with 38 career starts for the Steelers.

The Steelers declined the fifth-year option on Jones' rookie contract earlier this spring.

The decision took place after Schefter reported in April that Jones had suffered a "setback" in his recovery from his neck injury.

Jones was sidelined for most of the offseason. He was cleared in time for training camp but struggled at points in the preseason, including when he gave up two sacks in an Aug. 21 matchup against the New York Jets.

Jones started the 2025 campaign as the Steelers' starting left tackle, but that position was taken when the team moved Troy Fautanu to left tackle earlier this offseason.

The Steelers also drafted right tackle Max Iheanachor in the first round of the 2026 draft, further calling into question Jones' future with the team.

The Cowboys currently have Tyler Guyton seemingly as a lock at left tackle. Jones could potentially provide some competition for Terence Steele at right tackle once he arrives in Dallas.

The NFL roster cutdown deadline is Sunday at 6 p.m. ET. The Cowboys will need to decide where Jones fits in the team's tackle depth chart before opening the season Sept. 13 at the New York Giants.