The recent trade between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Atlanta Falcons has sparked speculation about the potential trade market for Broderick Jones, an offensive tackle for the Pittsburgh Steelers. The trade, which saw the Chiefs give up a seventh-round pick for a 2027 sixth-round pick and tackle Wanya Morris, highlights the value of depth players in the NFL. While Morris was a depth player for the Chiefs, the trade suggests that teams are willing to pay for depth, especially when it comes to tackles.
From the Steelers' perspective, the trade has two implications. Firstly, the Falcons have acquired a tackle who could potentially start against Pittsburgh in Week 1, which could be a concern for the Steelers. However, the more intriguing angle is how it could impact the potential trade market for Broderick Jones. Jones, who has been recovering from a neck injury that ended his 2024 season, has not yet participated in team drills during practice. This leaves him as an odd man out on the Steelers' depth chart, with the team having already drafted Max Iheanachor and moved Troy Fautanu to left tackle.
Jones could theoretically be moved back to the left side, but this feels unlikely given the team's current setup. Keeping Jones as a backup is also an option, but with three capable offensive tackles in Fautanu, Cook, and Iheanachor, Jones could be a trade chip. The Steelers declined his fifth-year option, making him a free agent after the season, the same as Morris. Jones has also started more games in his career than Morris, with 38 career starts compared to just 16, and should be valued higher.
However, the injury complicates things. Any team acquiring Jones would need to be comfortable with his health, and coming off a serious injury, his value will be impacted. Morris, too, is coming off a serious knee injury, but he appears to be in a better spot than Jones. The Morris trade should give the Steelers a good idea of the return they could get for Jones, with the potential for a fifth-round pick or higher. Given the heavy market for Morris, it's safe to assume that Jones would have multiple suitors if he were to become available.
The Steelers would have to weigh whether getting a fourth- or fifth-round pick is worth it, rather than keeping Jones around for depth. However, there have been no indications that Jones is going to be traded or is even available. The trade between the Chiefs and Falcons serves as a reminder that depth players can be valuable trade chips, and the Steelers may have a potential trade chip in Jones if they are willing to part with him.
In my opinion, the Steelers should consider trading Jones if they can get a good return. The team has already invested in other tackles, and Jones' injury history may limit his value. The Morris trade sets a precedent for what the Steelers could potentially get for Jones, and it's worth exploring the trade market to see if they can get a better return than keeping him as a backup.
