Steelers declined the fifth-year option for LT Broderick Jones.

01 May 2026

Jones is recovering from a neck injury he suffered last season, which required a fusion surgery that took place in March. The decision to decline Jones’ fifth-year option likely stems from this injury, both in the short term and the long term. While some doubt has already been cast on Jones’ readiness to start this season, the Steelers likely also want to see how he holds up over the course of the season once he returns. The fourth-year tackle has started 38 regular season games for the Steelers since being drafted 14th overall by them in 2023. He’s allowed 20 sacks and 95 pressures in those games, per PFF, and earned a 59.0 pass-blocking grade last season — a career-high. Given the Steelers’ decision to select OT Max Iheanachor at No. 21 overall in this year’s draft, it’s possible they are already planning for a future that may not include Jones as their bookend left tackle.