Steelers Ready To Undergo Massive Shakeup On Left Side Of The Offensive Line In 2026

The Pittsburgh Steelers' 2025 season was a disappointment overall as the team found a way into the playoffs and was ultimately embarrassed in the Wild Card Round. It was the same story that fans have seen for the last handful of years, but changes are finally being made. Mike Tomlin decided to step down as the head coach of the franchise, and the organization went out and hired Mike McCarthy to replace him. McCarthy will play a huge role in what the team looks like moving forward, and the organization has to make several important roster decisions during the 2026 offseason.

One area where Pittsburgh improved dramatically during the 2025 was the offensive line, specifically in pass protection. It had something to do with Aaron Rodgers getting the ball out so quick, but the young offensive line also took a big step forward. The right side of the offensive line, including center, is completely set for Pittsburgh. The franchise is going to have to make some tough decisions on the left side, however. Broderick Jones is due a decision on his fifth-year option and Isaac Seumalo is scheduled to become a free agent, and there is a real world where the left side of the offensive line is completely different for Pittsburgh in 2026.

Team insider Ray Fittipaldo joined 93.7 The Fan on Friday morning, and he was asked about the future of both of those offensive linemen. He doesn't believe the organization will pick up Jones' fifth-year option.

"No," Fittipaldo said as he predicted the organization would decline Jones' fifth-year option.

Jones is under contract through the 2026 season, but the Steelers need to decide on an option for the 2027 season. His fifth-year option price is going to be nearly $20 million, and Pittsburgh can't pay that based off of the way he has played at the start of his career. The franchise has put him in tough spots as he has bounced between positions, but his play has not been up to par either. Fittipaldo was then asked about Seumalo returning as he is due to hit free agency.

"I will say no," Fittipaldo said.

Seumalo has been Pittsburgh's starting left guard for the past three seasons, but he is certainly aging and could be near a point where he is considering retirement. He is set to hit the open market in March, and there hasn't been much buzz surrounding him getting a new deal with the Steelers. His market value falls around $9 million per season, but the Steelers might look to go younger at the position.

McCarthy will probably have a say in these decisions, but it is unclear if Seumalo and Jones fit into the vision he has for this team. Jones was making improvement during the 2025 season before suffering a neck injury that required surgery. He missed the rest of the season, and Dylan Cook kind of showed him up as he filled in at left tackle. Fittipaldo was asked whether or not the undrafted tackle could be the future at the position.

"He could be, Joe," Fittipaldo said.

Cook surprised everyone when he was thrust into the starting lineup near the end of the 2025 season. He played at a high level, and he is also cheap at the moment. Pittsburgh has him under contract for the 2026 season, and it would be hard to decide to start Jones over him.

Steelers Could Consider A Position Change With Broderick Jones

Jones was drafted in the first round to be a tackle, but that hasn't always worked out. If the franchise decides on Cook being the starting left tackle, there is a world where Jones could move inside. If Seumalo is gone like he is expected to be, Jones could move a little bit to his right and attempt to be a left guard. He has always excelled in run blocking, which suits playing on the interior of the offensive line. It would be a big change, but it might be a smart move.

What do you think about the left side of the offensive line? Let us know in the comments below!

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