Pittsburgh Steelers make fifth-year option decision with Broderick Jones

Sep 14, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Broderick Jones (77) reacts as he takes the field against the Seattle Seahawks at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

The Pittsburgh Steelers have made a decision on the fifth-year option of left tackle Broderick Jones.

According to Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Steelers are not picking up the rookie contract option of their former first-round pick.

"As expected, Steelers did not pick up fifth year option on LT Broderick Jones, meaning he is an UFA after the 2026 season, per sources," Dulac reported.

The deadline for teams to make fifth-year option decisions is May 1.

An expected move

As Dulac notes, this was expected.

Jones has been woefully disappointing over three years in the NFL and is entering a make-or-break year for his career in 2026.

Jones began his career at right tackle but shifted over to the left side in 2025. The results were much of the same, though, as Jones surrendered six sacks and 23 pressures in 11 games.

Jones is the favorite to start at left tackle once again this season, but his status for Week 1 is in doubt.

Broderick Jones injury update

A report going into the 2026 NFL Draft revealed that Jones had suffered a setback in his recovery from offseason neck surgery, leaving his status in question.

Pittsburgh went on to draft Max Iheanachor with the No. 21 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, which gives them a possible insurance policy.

There are doubts about Iheanachor's ability to be ready for such a key role right away, but we would expect him and Jones to compete for a starting job this offseason, assuming Jones is healthy enough to take the practice field.

Either way, Jones' days with the Steelers are likely numbered.