Broderick Jones
Getty
The Athletic's Mike DeFabo reported the Pittsburgh Steelers might have to change their short and long-term plans at left tackle because of Broderick Jones's neck injury.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have a decision to make with left tackle Broderick Jones this offseason. The deadline on whether or not to exercise his fifth-year option is May 1.
But with Jones recovering from a neck injury this offseason. His status to start the 2026 season at left tackle for Pittsburgh is uncertain.
The Athletic’s Mike DeFabo reported Monday that Jones’s neck injury “is a bigger story than the Steelers initially made it seem.” DeFabo argued it will impact the team’s decision making for the 2026 and 2027 seasons.
“When left tackle Broderick Jones was injured in Week 12, the Steelers initially downplayed it and suggested he had a chance to return before the playoffs,” wrote DeFabo. “However, fusion surgery in Jones’ neck could be a major curveball that changes plans in the short and long term.
“By May 1, the Steelers have to decide if they’re picking up Jones’ fifth-year option, which comes with a $19.07 million price tag in 2027. The injury will likely affect that decision. But, honestly, that may be looking too far ahead. Khan balked when asked publicly if Jones will be healthy in time for training camp. Forget 2027, this could be something that impacts plans for 2026.”
According to the Pro Football Focus player grades, Jones turned in another below average performance in 2025. But most pundits saw improvements in his game last season, which was his first full year in his most natural position.
During his first two seasons, Jones mostly played right tackle.
Even the weekly PFF player grades from 2025 suggest Jones improved as the season went.
But the 24-year-old didn’t play after Thanksgiving. He suffered his neck injury during Week 12 against the Chicago Bears.
What Offseason Moves Will Steelers Make at Left Tackle With Broderick Jones Uncertainty?
Jones still has a ways to go to meet his first-round expectations from three years ago. But the tackle showed growth during 2025, which is why the serious neck injury is so disappointing.
The Steelers selected Jones and right tackle Troy Fautanu in back-to-back first rounds. In addition to Fautanu, the Steelers also selected center Zach Frazier and guard Mason McCormick during 2024.
All four of those linemen were Week 1 starters in 2025. Together, they are expected to be a major part of Pittsburgh’s offensive future, with Jones leading the way at left tackle.
But the neck injury could cause the Steelers to not commit to Jones’s fifth-year option. And since Jones might not be available to play at the beginning of 2026 either, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Steelers draft a left tackle to replace Jones immediately — not just starting in 2027.
Steelers Part Ways With Calvin Anderson: Report
A major move at left tackle could be coming for the Steelers this offseason. But the team already made a minor one over the weekend.
DeFabo reported Saturday the Steelers released veteran offensive tackle Calvin Anderson. With the cut, the team saved $2 million in cap space. The Steelers also released Anderson before his $500,000 roster bonus was due on March 13.
There’s two different ways to view the team parting ways with Anderson. The veteran was one of the most experienced backup tackles the team had, so the positive spin on his release is the Steelers could be confident Jones will be part of the organization’s short and long-term futures.
The other perspective is the Anderson move had nothing to do with Jones. The Steelers parted with Anderson to save money and cap space.
Now without him, the hole at left tackle is even bigger.
Another factor for the Steelers offensive line this offseason, though, is Dylan Cook. The former undrafted lineman eventually replaced Jones at left tackle because the team had multiple injuries in December.
Cook was impressive in four starts, posting a 77.4 PFF player grade. That grade was the best mark any Steelers offensive lineman earned from PFF for the 2025 season.
If the Steelers are confident in Cook as an option, then the immediate need at left tackle isn’t nearly as big.
At the very least, the Steelers see Cook as a superior option to Anderson. That’s ultimately why the veteran tackle was expendable.