Steelers' Unexpected Route To Their Next Franchise QB Could Involve Broderick Jones

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been searching for stability at the quarterback position ever since Ben Roethlisberger hung up his cleats following the 2021 season. It is safe to say Steeler Nation has grown tired of the veteran stopgaps, short-term solutions, and quarterback experiments that have followed. Kenny Pickett was viewed as a potential answer, but that gamble ultimately did not work out, leaving Pittsburgh still searching for its next long-term option.

Now, the Steelers have a legitimate opportunity to make a serious Super Bowl push in 2026 with Aaron Rodgers leading the offense. However, Rodgers has made it clear that he expects the 2026 season to be his final year in the NFL. Once he walks away, Pittsburgh will have to determine exactly what it has in its young quarterbacks, including Will Howard and Drew Allar, while deciding whether either player can become the franchise's next answer under center.

There is also the possibility that Pittsburgh explores the veteran quarterback market again. One name that could become interesting is Baker Mayfield, who could potentially be sold on a longer-term opportunity in Pittsburgh if Omar Khan chooses that route. Mayfield's future in Tampa Bay has been a topic of discussion after reports that contract negotiations with the Buccaneers did not go as smoothly as expected.

However, Steelers insider Christopher Carter floated another intriguing possibility while speaking on 93.7 The Fan on Friday. Following the latest news surrounding Broderick Jones, who was surprisingly cleared to return to practice, his future in Pittsburgh remains worth monitoring. The Steelers declined to pick up Jones' fifth-year option, and with Troy Fautanu and Max Iheanachor also in the offensive tackle picture, Pittsburgh could have a decision to make regarding the former first-round pick.

"This is the last year on his rookie contract, and they drafted Fautanu, they drafted Max Iheanachor, and Dylan Cook looks pretty solid," Carter said. "I do think he can play. If he can get his strength back and his weight up throughout training camp and get some preseason action eventually, that could be his ticket to getting back to getting some starts this year. If we get to Week 8 or so and he's playing well and the Steelers are like, 'Well, he's playing well,' Jones could be a trade bait candidate because teams want offensive tackles."

According to Carter, the 2026 season could become an opportunity for the Steelers to rebuild Jones' value before potentially using him as a trade asset to acquire valuable draft capital. 

Steelers Have Perfect Path To Trading Jones At Max Value

With Pittsburgh continuing its search for a true franchise quarterback, that extra draft capital could become important as the organization looks toward the 2027 NFL Draft and the possibility of finding its next long-term answer at the position.

"Broderick Jones will be an experienced tackle with a higher pedigree if he were to hit the open market," Carter said. "The Steelers may be able to put a nice little bow on this, 'Hey, who wants this?' and get that extra draft capital. People have been wondering how the Steelers will get it. He may just be the ticket to that. Someone's gonna say, 'I want that guy, and I want to get him before he hits the open market.' That may be the goal for Broderick Jones this season."

When Khan traded up in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft to select Jones, he was hopeful the young tackle's development would take a different direction. At times, many have labeled Jones a bust, but as Carter noted, there were signs during the 2025 season before his injury that Jones was starting to figure things out.

Maybe the Steelers can use the 2026 season as an opportunity to showcase Jones, maximize his trade value, and potentially turn him into valuable draft capital. If he can return healthy and prove he can consistently play at a high level, Pittsburgh could have another asset to help build for the future.

Please feel free to share your Steelers takes and thoughts with me on X (@anthonyghalkias) and consider following for more Steelers-related content and discussion. I’m always open to hearing different perspectives, breaking down games, and talking all things Pittsburgh football. Whether it’s roster moves, coaching decisions, or game-day reactions, I read and respond whenever I can. Your input helps drive the conversation and keeps the Steelers community active and engaged. 

#SteelerNation