Cowboys Set RT Battle Between Terence Steele and Broderick Jones

Coach Brian Schottenheimer confirmed Broderick Jones will compete with Terence Steele for the starting right tackle job after a weekend trade with Pittsburgh.

FRISCO, Texas -- The Dallas Cowboys have 14 days remaining before their season opener against the New York Giants to determine a starting right tackle. Coach Brian Schottenheimer announced on Monday that newly acquired Broderick Jones will compete for the role against incumbent Terence Steele. Jones joined the roster on Saturday via a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers, who received a 2027 third-round and sixth-round selection in exchange for the tackle and a 2027 fourth-round pick.

Steele enters the competition having started 23 consecutive games at right tackle and 91 of 96 career appearances. Over the last two seasons, he has logged 2,333 of a possible 2,357 offensive snaps. During the most recent offseason, the Cowboys signed Steele to a revised contract that included a $10.5 million signing bonus. Schottenheimer noted that he personally reached out to Steele to inform him of the trade, describing the veteran as the "ultimate pro" during the conversation.

Trade Terms and Roster Integration

The acquisition of Jones follows his tenure in Pittsburgh, where he started 38 games throughout his career while rotating between both tackle positions. A first-round selection in 2023, Jones sought a fresh start after the Steelers drafted Max Iheanachor in the first round of the most recent draft. Despite his history at left tackle, Schottenheimer confirmed the Cowboys intend to keep Jones exclusively on the right side to avoid moving him around the formation.

Jones arrives in Dallas having been cleared for full activity at the start of training camp following spinal fusion surgery to repair a neck injury sustained last season. The Cowboys front office and coaching staff expressed confidence in his medical status based on his performance during the preseason. The 2023 first-rounder will have six practices to prepare for the Giants game, working closely with offensive line coach Conor Riley and assistant Kyle Fuller to learn the system.

Tactical Adjustments and Coaching Strategy

Schottenheimer emphasized that the team believes they can tighten up specific fundamental aspects of Jones's game. Jones remarked that while play calls differ, the techniques and plays remain consistent across the NFL, suggesting he will not require a long period to adapt. He expressed relief at having a defined position on the right side after frequently switching roles with his former team.

Managing the workload between the two competitors is a primary focus for the coaching staff. Schottenheimer stated the team must find a balance to ensure Steele receives necessary work without being overworked, noting that Steele has never requested a repetition off during his tenure. The coach indicated that the decision to bring in competition was rooted in respect for Steele’s contributions as a teammate and player.

Preparation for the Season Opener

With the Giants game looming, the Cowboys are prioritizing Jones's integration into the offensive line unit. Jones noted that his primary challenge will be acclimating to new teammates and coaching styles rather than the playbook itself. Schottenheimer reiterated that a change of scenery could benefit the young tackle, who is expected to "learn on the fly" during the final two weeks of the preseason cycle. The competition remains open as the team evaluates which player provides the best protection for the upcoming 2026 campaign.