Broderick Jones Lands in Dallas, But Steele Starts as RT1
The Cowboys traded for Jones and slid him to right tackle, but Mike Schottenheimer says Terence Steele is still 1A heading into Week 1 vs. the Giants.
No fantasy value as a tackle; monitor how the RT battle affects the Dallas run game.
- Jones traded from Pittsburgh, moving to right tackle
- Steele is 'the 1A' at RT, per Schottenheimer
- Position battle starts now, may run past Week 1
- Week 1 opponent: New York Giants
- Jones played both LT and RT with Steelers
The Cowboys have a new name in the offensive line room, and he's already been handed a specific address. Head coach Mike Schottenheimer confirmed that Broderick Jones — acquired in a trade with the Steelers — will line up exclusively on the right side in Dallas, even though he split reps between left and right tackle during his time in Pittsburgh. This isn't a plug-and-play situation, though: Jones has to win the job first.
That's because Terence Steele isn't going anywhere just yet. Schottenheimer was blunt in calling Steele the "1A" at right tackle right now, meaning the incumbent holds the pole position while Jones proves he can handle the assignment. The competition kicks off immediately and could stretch past the Week 1 matchup against the Giants, so don't expect a clean resolution before Dallas plays a real snap.
Schottenheimer said he phoned Steele personally once the trade was finalized to give him a heads-up about the incoming competition. By the coach's account, Steele took the news like a total pro, telling him he understood and appreciated the call even though it wasn't required. Schottenheimer said he made the call precisely because he respects Steele that much as a teammate and player.
The takeaway is that this is a genuine battle rather than a coronation. Jones arrives with pedigree and the flexibility to play either edge, but Dallas is asking him to lock into one spot and beat out a starter who's earned the coaching staff's trust. Schottenheimer put the onus squarely on Jones, saying he has to show he can do the job to crack the starting lineup.
The Fantasy Fallout
Offensive tackles don't score fantasy points, so neither Jones nor Steele is a direct add. What matters for your roster is the ripple effect: an unsettled right tackle spot can wobble the entire Dallas run game and pass protection, which touches the value of the Cowboys' backs, receivers and quarterback. A messy competition dragging into the regular season is a mild yellow flag for that offense's efficiency early on.
For now, this is a monitor-and-wait situation. If you're rostering Cowboys skill players, keep an eye on how quickly the line stabilizes — a settled, well-protected offense is a friendlier fantasy environment than one still sorting out its right tackle in Week 2 or 3. Don't overreact, just track it.
