Broderick Jones is on the second team of his career but thinks his stint with the Dallas Cowboys will go more smoothly if he stays in one spot. In his first comments since being traded from Pittsburgh to Dallas this past weekend, Jones cited the Steelers’ flip-flopping nature as one reason why he didn’t reach his potential.

“For me, I would just say bouncing around (positions), just not being able to get my feet set,” via The Athletic’s Jon Machota. “That was a challenge for me. Coming in, hopefully I can stick to one side. Compete for that (job), get comfortable, get familiar with it, get familiar with who I’ll be playing next to and go from there.”

New Cowboys OT Broderick Jones was surprised by the trade but thinks a new start is good for him.

What didn’t work in Pittsburgh?

Jones: “For me, I would just say bouncing around (positions), just not being able to get my feet set. That was a challenge for me. Coming in,… pic.twitter.com/3cVZXH6DX1

— Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 31, 2026

Earlier in the day, Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer told reporters Jones is expected to battle Terence Steele for the starting right tackle job. It’s unclear whether Jones will be used as a swing tackle should Steele secure a starting role.

The Steelers touted Jones as a future left tackle, but he began his NFL career on the right side after primarily playing left tackle at Georgia. He started in place of Dan Moore Jr. once at left tackle but spent most of the year on the right side. That continued into 2024. When Moore departed in free agency before the 2025 season, Jones reverted to left tackle and started every game there until his season-ending neck injury.

This offseason, Jones bounced from side to side as he worked to show his health and versatility to a new coaching staff.

Jones admitted he appreciates a fresh start.

“It wasn’t ideal, but it’s something that’s needed, especially for me,” Jones said via beat writer Todd Archer. “I felt like it was needed.”

Speaking to reporters Monday, Steelers GM Omar Khan believed Jones has good football ahead of him but acknowledged a “change of scenery” could help. Similar to Kevin Dotson and Kendrick Green, the Steelers didn’t put Jones in the best position to succeed.

There’s no universal answer as to whether an offensive lineman can handle playing new or multiple positions. Some don’t miss a beat while others struggle. However, it’s fair to recognize that moving a player from one side to the other, especially repeatedly, increases the chances of risk and failure. Especially for a player like Jones, who is young, raw, and struggling with confidence.

So far, the Steelers have only used 2026 first-round pick Max Iheanachor at right tackle, although third-rounder Gennings Dunker is adjusting to his new home at guard after playing tackle at Iowa.