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How Will Broderick Jones Trade Impact Steelers Offensive Line?
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- How Will Broderick Jones Trade Impact Steelers Offensive Line?
The Pittsburgh Steelers made a big move on Saturday that will impact their 53-man roster . After extensively evaluating their offensive line, the Steelers decided to trade former first-round pick Broderick Jones to the Dallas Cowboys , according to multiple reports. The Steelers will send Jones and a fourth-round pick to Dallas in exchange for a third- and sixth-round pick.
This isn't necessarily a shocking move considering the Steelers felt good about Dylan Cook, Troy Fautanu , and Max Iheanachor coming out of the preseason. Jones was likely entering his final season in the black and gold in 2026.
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With that being said, the Steelers will feel some kind of ripple effect from this trade. It may not necessarily be a bad one, either. Pittsburgh now enters the season with a clearly defined plan at offensive tackle. The big question is how this will impact the offense. What is the outlook for the depth chart?
Dylan Cook is the Steelers' new swing tackle
Aug 13, 2026; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Dylan Cook (60) blocks Green Bay Packers defensive end Brenton Cox Jr. (57) during the first half at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
Though Iheanachor feels like the most likely candidate to become the Steelers' swing tackle, Cook got extensive work at both spots during the preseason . He played well into the third preseason game at left tackle after also getting snaps at right tackle. Cook played left tackle in relief of Jones last season and performed admirably. He projected as the starting right tackle this season since it was his natural position in college.
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Fautanu is the team's starting left tackle and that is the best spot for him. He played there in college and has been a very good offensive tackle for the Steelers. Fautanu is still getting his groove back at the position, but he progressed well with each preseason game.
The other big question right now is whether the Steelers will start Cook at right tackle or Iheanachor, allowing Cook to remain ready to play either spot at all times.
Iheanachor's development will accelerate
Jul 29, 2026; Latrobe, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Max Iheanachor (71) greets fans as he arrives for a practice session at training camp at Saint Vincent College. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
The biggest winner in all of this is Iheanachor . He will not only have one less tackle to compete against on the depth chart, but he is now in a prime position to accelerate his development. Even if he doesn't start at right tackle this season, he is now an excellent candidate to serve as the sixth offensive lineman. This is the same type of role that helped develop Spencer Anderson into a starting-caliber right guard. Iheanachor will be able to work on the run-blocking aspect of his game along the way.
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Iheanachor could also very well become a starter this season. Though his preseason debut was up and down, he still showed a lot of promise throughout the preseason. He especially showed that promise during training camp. Now, the Steelers simply need to decide whether they will start him sooner or let him continue developing as their offensive tackle of the future before taking over as a starter in 2027.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Aug 29, 2026, where it first appeared in the NFL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
