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\u2019 flip-flopping nature as one reason why he didn\u2019t reach his potential.<\/p>\n
\u201cFor me, I would just say bouncing around (positions), just not being able to get my feet set,\u201d via The Athletic\u2019s Jon Machota.<\/a> \u201cThat 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\u2019ll be playing next to and go from there.\u201d<\/p>\n New Cowboys OT Broderick Jones was surprised by the trade but thinks a new start is good for him.<\/p>\n What didn\u2019t work in Pittsburgh?<\/p>\n Jones: \u201cFor 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,\u2026 pic.twitter.com\/3cVZXH6DX1<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 Jon Machota (@jonmachota) August 31, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n 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\u2019s unclear whether Jones will be used as a swing tackle should Steele secure a starting role.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n This offseason, Jones bounced from side to side as he worked to show his health and versatility to a new coaching staff.<\/p>\n Jones admitted he appreciates a fresh start.<\/p>\n \u201cIt wasn\u2019t ideal, but it\u2019s something that\u2019s needed, especially for me,\u201d Jones said via beat writer Todd Archer. \u201cI felt like it was needed.\u201d<\/p>\n Speaking to reporters Monday, Steelers GM Omar Khan believed Jones has good football ahead of him but acknowledged a \u201cchange of scenery\u201d could help<\/a>. Similar to Kevin Dotson and Kendrick Green, the Steelers didn\u2019t put Jones in the best position to succeed.<\/p>\n There\u2019s no universal answer as to whether an offensive lineman can handle playing new or multiple positions. Some don\u2019t miss a beat while others struggle. However, it\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n