"Sneaky Trade Candidate": Steelers Positional Battle Could Lead To Surprising Move

The Pittsburgh Steelers have made several aggressive moves so far in the 2026 offseason, something that the organization hasn't typically done. They addressed needs at multiple positions, including wide receiver, cornerback, and safety. The Steelers' offensive line group has been a relatively untouched unit, as only depth pieces have been signed. Pittsburgh is still without a true starting left guard, and there is an increasingly important position battle at left tackle. The two in question are Broderick Jones and Dylan Cook. 

Jones was a 2023 first-round pick who worked as a left tackle in his early days with Pittsburgh before he was inserted as a right tackle in the middle of his rookie campaign. Then, Jones made the transition back to the left side of the line. He finally found a home at left tackle and began making progress. Unfortunately, Jones suffered a severe neck injury that required spinal fusion surgery during his 2025 run.

From then on, Cook stepped in as the starter and made a huge impression on fans and coaches alike. He was extremely effective in his limited showing and has given many a reason to believe there is a true position battle there. Cook was an UDFA, originally with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and eventually signed with Pittsburgh in 2024, where he was on and off the practice squad. 

It seems as though Cook is really giving Jones a run for his money, and according to Matt Williamson on the SNR drive, it could lead to Jones being moved. 

"I could see a world where Cook is really good, Jones is healthy, but Cook beats him out, and in the third round you drafted a tackle, and you're like, I bet somebody would give us something for Broderick Jones," Williamson said. "But he's a sneaky trade candidate. You were confident enough in Cook to trade one half of that position battle."

Cook proved that he can be an option for Pittsburgh at the starting left tackle spot. He would be the cheaper option, and if Cook proves in camp that he is comparable or better than Jones, it might be best for business for the Steelers to part ways with Jones. 

Jones will be playing on the fourth year of his rookie contract, and the Steelers will have the option to pick up his fifth-year option for 2027 or allow him to test free agency. The team could make a smart move and get something for Jones, knowing that they don't want him back on the fifth year. 

Jones would be owed, according to predictions, almost $20 million in 2027. This is a hefty investment for a player who hasn't proven his first-round pick status. Cook will make around $1 million in 2026, and the Steelers could bring him back on a discount, too. Cook would be a fraction of the cost of Jones, and less of a risk.

Jones' injury might affect his play, and Pittsburgh might want to move on from him while they still can and get something for him in a trade. The Steelers are speculated to want to load up on picks for the 2027 draft, so trading Jones could be a way of doing that. 

Steelers Should Look For Tackle Help In Draft

Both of the Steelers' current left tackles will be free agents come the 2027 offseason, if Jones' option isn't exercised. Pittsburgh owns 12 draft picks and three in the third round. The Steelers could take a flyer on a young, developmental tackle as a potential long-term option. 

There is an underlying need for a left tackle alongside the more blatantly obvious need for left guard. The Steelers could look to beef up that left side in this year's draft. They have the capital to do so, and that would continue their trend of fading youth to the line. 

The Steelers have used a lot of valuable draft capital on the offensive line over the last few years, as they did with Jones and first-round pick Troy Fautanu. This year could be no different as they have been speculated to take guard in the first round and may address tackle in the mid-rounds. This would make the offensive line extremely young, but all of them would be on rookie deals in 2026.

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