Steelers May Be Forced Into An Extremely Risky Decision In The 2026 Offseason Due To Recent Injury

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been one of the more injured teams in the 2025 season, as they have taken hits at nearly every single position. Some of them have resulted in younger players coming out and showing how great they can be, and others have emphasized the need for depth at that particular spot. Many of these players like Dylan Cook and James Pierre have most likely earned a spot on the 53-man roster for 2026, even if it's not in Pittsburgh for some odd reason. 

Of course, Cook got the starting nod due to multiple injuries, including to starter Broderick Jones. He has been a big target for criticism since the 2024 season, and all eyes were on him in 2025. There were still some inconsistencies with him, but he did show some growth and maturity as the season progressed before he got hurt. Now, the Steelers will have to make a potentially risky decision with him and his fifth-year option.

In his weekly Q&A chat, Gerry Dulac was asked about that exact situation. He said that this neck injury would likely impact the Steelers' decision on this matter.

"Dylan Cook played very well indeed," Dulac said. "As for [Broderick] Jones, his injury could and probably will affect the Steelers picking up his fifth-year option next season. Might be too much of a risk."

Since Jones will be entering his fourth year in 2026, the Steelers will have to make a decision on that front in the offseason. While he did show some growth, they will have to decide if it was enough to warrant what is basically a one-year extension that is fully guaranteed and commit to him through 2027. With the number of games that he will miss due to injury, that lessens the sample size of his good performances. 

Jones' projected fifth-year option is projected to be just shy of $20 million. Investing that kind of money into a guy that has struggled more than not is definitely risky, even if he still has a sky-high ceiling to reach. If he didn't suffer that injury and continued to develop, there would be a legitimate argument to make about taking that option. Right now, however, declining it is likely the best option.

Of course, that doesn't mean that the Steelers will just dump Jones. His rookie deal is still fully guaranteed, and he has done well enough to earn another chance. 2026 will be his prove-it year to show how great he can truly be. If that happens, he could earn an extension worth more money per year than what he would have gotten had his option been accepted. 

Steelers May Just Have A Camp Competition

Since the Steelers will likely decline Jones' fifth-year option, he may have to fight for his job back. Cook has done well in limited playing time so far, and he is expected to be the starter for the rest of the season. If he continues to play like this, it would be hard for Pittsburgh to not offer him a new deal in the offseason to bring him back, at least as a backup. 

Jones would still be the favorite to win the battle in this situation, but it would not be guaranteed. Sometimes, iron sharpens iron, and being forced to win your job back could help him elevate his game some more and be a better offensive tackle. At very least, there would be plenty of comfort in the facilities that both the starter and backup are more than capable of doing their jobs right. 

What do you think about the Steelers likely declining Jones' fifth-year option? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.

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