The Pittsburgh Steelers put on a show on Thursday night as the team beat the Green Bay Packers by a score of 28-9 in its first preseason game of the 2026 season. All eyes were on the quarterbacks as both Will Howard and Drew Allar were making their NFL debuts, and both players played well enough to turn heads. There were some clear issues with Pittsburgh on the night as the team looked sloppy at times when it came to penalties, but all in all, it was a great win for the Steelers. The 2026 rookie class looked good as well, as did many of the reserves.
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Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Broderick Jones (77) participates in OTA drills at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex.
One player that got a lot of playing time with the reserves was offensive tackle Broderick Jones. He has had an odd last year or so as he was Pittsburgh's starting left tackle in 2025, but he suffered a neck injury in the second half of the year that caused him to miss the rest of the season. He was recovering from that injury all offseason which caused him to lose weight, and it was thought that he might start training camp on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. He was shockingly not on the PUP at the start of camp, and he was able to return to the practice field.
He played most of the game, which came as a shock to some as he is not at his usual playing weight. Beat writer Ray Fittipaldo joined 93.7 The Fan on Friday morning to discuss the game, and he shared some theories as to why Jones might have seen so much playing time. He was asked if Jones could be considered in the running to start, and he seemed hesitant.
"It's really tough to say that Donny," Fittipaldo said. "The way they drafted, his contract situation, his injury, I think we all know he's probably entering his final season in Pittsburgh. They have to kind of do that math, like okay, showcase him a little bit. I think part of that, him playing a lot, was that he is coming off an injury and we have to see where he is. But also, it might be, 'Let's see what he can put on tape, and see if someone wants to come make a deal.'"
Fittipaldo brought up a few possibilities, but he does not think Jones being in consideration for legitimate playing time is one of them. He does think the team played him so much just to see where the former first-round pick might be at physically, but him being on the trade market is something else to consider. If a team has a large need at tackle, he could be an option. Pittsburgh might not get much in return, but an extra Day 3 pick is nothing to scoff at.
Steelers Should Be Able To Find Several Suitors On The Trade Market
Jones has been a disappointment for the Steelers due to the fact that the team traded up for him in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, and he has not lived up to that draft status. However, he has played well enough in his career for another team to consider giving up a Day 3 pick if he is able to put good tape out there this preseason.
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Steelers offensive lineman Broderick Jones (77) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
A team to watch would be the Washington Commanders. Laremy Tunsil just went down with a torn triceps muscle and he is going to miss the entire season, and Jones could provide some competition for the next man up. Another team would be the Los Angeles Chargers. They have two very good tackles, but they have each struggled with injuries which have limited the team. Jones could provide valuable depth and experience.
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