Former Steelers Offensive Lineman Gives Broderick Jones Advice: "Might Be Prudent Of Him To Request A Trade"

The Pittsburgh Steelers have some uncertainty on their offensive line heading into the 2026 season. The left side especially is where many position battles could come during training camp. The organization chose Arizona State University tackle Max Iheanachor with their first-round pick in 2026 to shore up the future of the tackle position. The starting left tackle for the majority 2025, and 2023 first-round pick Broderick Jones, is battling through rehab for a neck fusion. A neck injury occurred in Week 12 against the Chicago Bears, forcing Jones to miss the last six games of the season.  

The Steelers have yet to provide a timetable on Jones' setback. He could miss camp if he doesn't properly heal in time. The selection of Iheanachor makes things difficult for Jones, though, as he may have to fight to keep his starting role. Recently, his fifth-year option was declined by the team. He could've made approximately $19 million in 2027 if the team picked up the option, but his play hasn't warranted the hefty price tag. He could hope to make his mark in camp and retain his starting role. However, it seems like this could be Jones' last year in the Steel City, barring a huge turnaround. 

The future will be interesting for Jones. He could remain with the team this year and hope that he gets picked up by a tackle-needy squad in 2027, or he could request a trade. Former Steelers offensive lineman Trai Essex gave Jones some advice for the future on The Snap Count, a podcast he hosts with former Steelers quarterback Charlie Batch. 

"With Broderick, I think he might be prudent of him to maybe request a trade because I think he still has a lot of value, a lot of athleticism. He's still young, and he showed that he is capable of playing and improving throughout the year. And so, I think he still might be the odd man out when you consider that we have two first-round tackles probably ahead of him right now," Essex said. 

With Iheanachor's arrival in Pittsburgh and Troy Fautanu's emergence as a solid right tackle, it's hard for the Steelers to find a fit for him in the future. With the threat of not having a starting spot on the Steelers' offensive line, it could be a smart move for Jones to seek a trade as suggested by Essex. He could find a place where he can prove himself as a starting tackle, and potentially earn a second contract that commands respectable money. If he were to hit free agency just being a swing tackle for the Black and Gold, his second contract probably wouldn't be a big one.

Being traded would be the best way for Jones to find a more permanent home. His time appears to be ticking in Pittsburgh, and based on the first round selection, the Steelers seem ready to move on. The return for Jones wouldn't be incredibly high for the front office, but if they already knew they didn't want to bring him back, then a return for him wouldn't be a bad thing. A mid-round pick could help the Steelers as they continue to build up their roster through draft picks. 

Steelers Are Showing An Uninspiring Trend

Jones' fifth-year option being declined is no surprise based on his individual play. However, the franchise hasn't granted the option since 2017 first-round pick, TJ Watt. Pittsburgh's first-round picks have underwhelmed as of late. Fautanu could be the next in line to get the option, but Jones not getting it is just another player to add to that list. 

The Steelers traded up to get Jones in 2023, but his 14th overall pick status hasn't worked out for Pittsburgh. The hope is that Iheanachor can produce despite being a project tackle just like Jones. Hopefully, he doesn't suffer a similar situation. 

#SteelerNation