A return on investment is crucial for success. The Pittsburgh Steelers’ 53- man roster cuts will reward players who flashed potential throughout the preseason. Broderick Jones’ performances have been...less than desirable.
So undesirable, in fact, that fans are concerned the former first-round pick won’t make the roster. What if the tackle is cut?
The worry is understood. But I do not believe that will be Pittsburgh’s immediate response. The front office invested first-round (2023) capital into the former Georgia Bulldog. In the end, they must leave with something.
Jones has spent meaningful time with the Steelers. The experience is undeniable on his resume. In 2023, he earned significant snaps at right tackle as a rookie. Since then, the versatile tackle has played on both sides of the line.
Yes, he’s faced his fair share of difficulties. But he’s young with a solid foundation. Maybe he needs the right environment.
It’s clear Jones has trade value, but who would be the perfect partner?
Well, preseason injuries can shift trajectories. They also open doors for a few players to reinvent careers. On Wednesday, Houston Texans’ right tackle Braden Smith was carted off during joint practice with a foot injury. The severity is unclear.
The Pittsburgh Steelers should consider trading Broderick Jones to the Houston Texans'
Clearly, Houston should search for insurance at tackle in case Smith isn’t ready to go by Week 1. In 2025, he only allowed one sack, according to Pro Football Focus ($), and was given a solid 71.9 pass-blocking grade. And he recently signed a two-year, $25 million deal.
It will be hard to fill his absence. But for the right price, anything is possible.
Jones sounds like a feasible option for both parties. He’s racked up snaps at right tackle earlier in his career. In fact, he isn’t entering unfamiliar territory. Pittsburgh utilized him in more than 1,000 plays on the right side of the line during the 2024 campaign.
Inconsistencies and injuries may bring down the value that the Steelers could get in a trade. He’s known to give up a few sacks occasionally. A conditional 2027 Day 3 draft pick may be the sweetest deal Pittsburgh can strike.
If Houston is impressed, they will use Jones often. In the end, both teams reap the reward.
Accepting a Day 3 pick for a former first-round selection is a tough pill to swallow. And in a perfect world, I’d like Jones to remain on the roster while filling a different role. However, if he fails to make a lasting impression in Pittsburgh’s preseason finale, his future may be sealed.
The front office has given the high-value pick time to rise to the occasion. If he can’t, the Steelers should consider reaping the best value for his services.
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