Unfortunate Reality For Steelers' Broderick Jones Likely Has The Team Worried

The Pittsburgh Steelers originally seemed to have botched the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Despite not being on the clock, General Manager Omar Khan called wide receiver Makai Lemon, letting him know that the organization was taking him. Unfortunately, the Philadelphia Eagles jumped up to the 20th overall spot and stole him away. This led to the front office in the Steel City pivoting to Max Iheanachor, who turned into the third offensive lineman in four years that was selected by Pittsburgh in the first round. This shed a very interesting light on the future of Broderick Jones, a former first-rounder recovering from a serious neck injury.

The Steelers are officially done with offseason activities until training camp begins at the end of July. While the pads were not on and a lot of drills weren't done at full speed, it was an encouraging time for players to get acclimated with the new coaching staff. The workouts are closed to the public; however, a select few reporters were allowed to be in attendance for the majority of the practices.

Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette took the time to write down some thoughts about all of the sessions, and Jones' status came up. Because of the neck surgery that he had, the offseason has not gone how it normally would have. The offensive tackle wasn't able to get into the weight room, leading to him losing mass and, presumably, strength.

"Many hurdles remain, including being cleared for contact, but one significant consequence of undergoing neck surgery has been a deliberate rehabilitation that did not allow him to lift weights in a typical offseason fashion," Fittipaldo wrote. "He’s lost weight and appears to be the lightest he’s been since he arrived in Pittsburgh."

Jones is an extremely athletic individual, but it's never easy to get back to what one used to be after having a serious ailment. Fittipaldo added that this entire situation that is developing seems like it ends with the lineman being somewhere else in 2027.

"Even if Jones is cleared before the season, his long-term future with the Steelers is in doubt," Fittipaldo noted. "Dylan Cook lined up as the starting right tackle this spring, and rookie Max Iheanachor is the future starter at the position after the Steelers used a first-round pick on him in May."

Dylan Cook stepped in and was a formidable option at the end of November and for the rest of the year for the Steelers. He should be able to hold down the fort while Iheanachor gets ready to become a full-time starter. For Jones, weight loss, lack of strength and an offseason essentially without intense workouts could be something that he never recovers from.

The best case scenario for the Steelers might be finding a team that is willing to take a risk on Jones now if he can pass a physical. Trading him would allow for Cook and Iheanachor to get all of the reps alongside Troy Fautanu. The complicated part of it is that no franchise is going to offer anything for a player who could possibly be affected long-term.

For now, Pittsburgh will keep a close eye on Jones' recovery process. It would be ideal for him to finally be able to lift heavy in the weight room so he could put on some weight. Edge rushers nowadays are massive and quick, so shedding pounds is the exact opposite of what strong offensive linemen should be doing.

Steelers' Long-Term Plan Brings Fautanu And Iheanachor Into Focus

All in all, Jones is not likely to be in Pittsburgh for much longer. His fifth-year option was declined, and there are two projected starting tackles that are in the locker room, including a 2026 first-round pick. If he gets healthy and provides some depth for one more season, so be it; however, the Steelers are certainly planning for him to head elsewhere in 2027.

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