Steelers May Continue Trend Of Admitting Failure By Making Necessary Trade

The Pittsburgh Steelers have certainly had a focus on building up the offensive line ever since Omar Khan took over as general manager. The first draft that he was in charge of was in 2023 when the Steelers traded up in the first round for Broderick Jones, and he has had a bit of a weird career so far. He has switched between right and left tackle, and every time he starts to show some serious growth, he takes a couple of steps backwards. This time around, it was not his fault as he suffered a legitimate neck injury that forced him to miss the end of the 2025 season, and that injury has his status for 2026 up in the air. 

As a former first-round pick that the organization traded up to get, it is safe to say that Jones' career has been disappointing. That isn't entirely on him though. The prior coaching staff had questionable methods with his development as he was flip-flopped around the offensive line. Now, his future in Pittsburgh is certainly in doubt. His health is a big question mark right now, and there is a chance he could start the season on the Physically Unable To Perform List (PUP). If he is healthy and gets cleared by training camp, he is more than likely going to be buried in the depth chart.

Insider Nick Farabaugh appeared on 93.7 The Fan on Wednesday morning, and discussed the trajectory of Jones' career. He believes he can be traded by the Steelers, assuming he gets cleared for football activities at some point in the near future.

"He could be a PUP list candidate," Farabaugh said. "I think the way it's going, he could certainly be out there for training camp, even in contact drills. I actually think a trade makes sense here for Broderick Jones. With how much starting experience he has, and he is probably going to be buried on this depth chart. Let's just think about Dylan Cook, Max Iheanachor, obviously Troy Fautanu is a lock to start at one of those spots, probably left tackle. To me, Broderick Jones is in this weird spot, right? While Broderick Jones could be on that roster, I could also see them looking at that and thinking they could get a fourth-round pick."

Jones has not played since Pittsburgh's loss to the Chicago Bears in Week 12 of the 2025 season. His neck injury did not allow him to weight train throughout the offseason, so he showed up for offseason activities extremely underweight. He needs to get back to playing weight, regain conditioning, and get cleared before a trade like this can be considered.

While it is always disappointing to part ways with a former first-round pick, it is sometimes necessary. The Steelers have Troy Fautanu, Dylan Cook, and Max Iheanachor on the roster, and it is fair to assume that Jones would be behind all three of them on the depth chart. Trading Jones would make sense, especially if it can bring in a high Day 3 pick for the franchise.

Steelers Have Not Shied Away From Admitting Defeat Under Omar Khan

Throughout Khan's tenure, the general manager has not been afraid to admit defeat when it comes to some draft picks. He traded Kenny Pickett after just two seasons with the team, and he also parted ways with George Pickens once it became clear that he was putting a strain on the locker room. Those were two high picks that were shipped out, and it is fair to argue that both had better careers in the black and gold than Jones. 

Khan did not personally pick Pickett or Pickens, but the point remains true that he does not blink when it comes to trading away misses or players that create issues.

What do you think about trading Jones? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!

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