Steelers Suddenly Weigh Tackle Insurance As Broderick Jones’ Status Remains Unclear

The Pittsburgh Steelers have spent a ton of recent draft capital on rebuilding their offensive line. They have used multiple first-round picks on their tackles, and a second-rounder on their current starting center. The team has made it a point to win in the trenches and has drafted accordingly. One of those first-rounders that were utilized was on starting left tackle, Broderick Jones. The Steelers traded up in the 2023 NFL Draft in order to select him by moving from spot 17, up to 14, in a trade with the New England Patriots. 

Jones has been shifted around the offensive line in his first three seasons. The tackle, who is still on his rookie deal, started as a right tackle in his first year. After the departure of Dan Moore Jr., he shifted from the right to the left side. The past two seasons, Jones has found a home protecting the blindside of his quarterback and has continued to develop and improve. However, a serious neck injury sidelined Jones after he suffered the setback in Week 12 against the Chicago Bears in 2025.

The Steelers are hoping to have Jones back for the 2026 season, but his health is in question. The former Georgia Bulldog underwent a spinal fusion surgery following the very serious injury. Jones should return to play and continue his development, but it's still up in the air. The NFL Draft is right around the corner, and drafting a tackle just in case seems like a reality. 

Steelers writer Bob Labriola shared his take on the team's game plan in addressing the Jones situation and what the Steelers should do at tackle in the Draft.

"If it were up to me, my concern wouldn't be a first-round pick concern," Labriola wrote. "But based on the latest medical information on the eve of the Draft, it might become a late Day 2 pick concern."

As mentioned before, Jones' injury was a very intense one. The Steelers shouldn't rush him back and have plenty of draft capital to add depth at the position if need be. The team has three third-round picks and could very well utilize those. Rushing Jones back isn't a good choice for Pittsburgh, considering their capital and the emergence of his replacement from last season, Dylan Cook. 

The Steelers don't have a ton of quality depth at the tackle spots, but Cook showed a lot of promise filling in for Jones last season towards the end of the year. If Jones isn't ready to start the season, some additional help would be necessary. Also, Jones has a fifth-year option on his contract due to being a first-round pick. Pittsburgh has yet to exercise it, and it is increasingly unlikely that they will at this point, especially with this serious injury. A project left tackle is very much in play if the Black and Gold don't bring Jones back. Cook will be a free agent in 2027, too, which just adds to the need to draft a tackle. 

Steelers' Jones Has The Odds Stacked Against Him

The Steelers haven't made it easy for Jones to begin his young career, with the changing of his position and now potentially a battle between him and Cook to be the starter. Jones isn't a horrible player by any means, but his circumstances in Pittsburgh haven't been the greatest. If the team decides to go with a young tackle, signs may point to Pittsburgh moving from him. 

The true test is if the Steelers pick up his option. According to projections, Jones' cap hit would be around $19 million in 2027 if the Steelers exercise the option. This isn't a ginormous number by any means for a left tackle, but it is still expensive when looking at Jones' production with the team. 

No matter what, the Steelers are hoping they can get their left tackle back and that he can make strides towards improving, especially being a first-round selection. This season will be huge in dictating Jones' future with the team. 

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