Steelers just officially waved the white flag with recent first-round pick who was doomed from the start in Pittsburgh
The Pittsburgh Steelers may officially be moving on from one of their recent first-round picks following the latest development in the NFL
The writing has been on the wall for some time now regarding the Pittsburgh Steelers and the left side of their offensive line. It all started when starting left tackle Broderick Jones suffered a season-ending neck injury, and his replacement, Dylan Cook, played remarkably well.
But then, just days before the 2026 NFL Draft, it was reported that Jones suffered a setback in his recovery, and the Steelers wasted no time, selecting two tackles with their first five selections. Well, now the final nail in the coffin may have been dealt.
Steelers are declining Broderick Jones’ 5th-year option
“The Steelers are declining the fifth-year option for left tackle Broderick Jones, per source. The option would’ve paid $19.1M. Jones, who is coming off neck surgery, is set to be a 2027 free agent. He has 38 career starts and was playing well pre-injury.” – Jeremy Fowler, ESPN (via X-Twitter)
The Steelers’ decision to decline Broderick Jones’ 5th year option is not a surprise
The Pittsburgh Steelers completely botched this pick from day one. In his first draft as general manager, Omar Khan traded up for what he believed was the future at left tackle in Pittsburgh.
Only, Jones didn’t even play left tackle until year three. By then, the raw developmental prospect out of Athens, Georgia was trying to unlearn his bad habits at right tackle, and get back to his natural position.
To be fair to Jones, there were some good moments in 2025. The shutout he pitched on Myles Garrett being the brightest, but then came his season-ending stinger, which actually turned out to be a neck injury that needed surgery. Even still, the Steelers failed Jones more than he failed the Steelers.
Steelers have no one but themselves to blame for botching the Broderick Jones pick
Whoever thought it was a good idea to take a player who needed to refine his left tackle ability and place him on his right side, well, I would say that person needs to be fired, but they are already gone with the rest of Mike Tomlin’s staff.
Maybe the Steelers will learn from their mistakes this time around.