Steelers Decline $19M Contract Option on Injury-Riddled First-Round Pick Drafted by Mike Tomlin

Jones is still under the four-year rookie deal valued at $16.6 million. The fifth-year option was estimated at $19 million, and the current move means that Jones will be an unrestricted free agent after the 2026 season. He is now the fifth straight Steelers first-round pick to have his fifth-year option declined, joining names like Terrell Edmunds, Devin Bush, Najee Harris, and Kenny Pickett.

Jones injured his neck in Week 12 when facing the Chicago Bears, which certainly influenced Pittsburgh’s decision to turn his fifth-year option down while he recovers from the injury.

In the first two seasons of his NFL career, he made a start in 27 matches as a right tackle and became a left tackle in 2025 when Dan Moore Jr. switched teams after signing a four-year, $82 million deal with the Tennessee Titans. Through his three seasons, Jones has appeared in 45 games with 38 starts and logged nearly 2,500 offensive snaps.

Now, the Steelers’ decision to draft Arizona State tackle Max Iheanachor in the first round signaled they are planning for life without Jones.

The Steelers drafted Max Iheanachor as Broderick Jones’ future is unclear

With the 21st pick, the Pittsburgh Steelers selected offensive tackle Max Iheanachor from Arizona State. This came after the Philadelphia Eagles traded with the Dallas Cowboys to move ahead and draft wide receiver Makai Lemon.

That moment quickly brought attention to Broderick Jones and his future with the team. Jones has been a solid tackle when healthy, but injuries have become a concern. His recent issues have made the Steelers think more about their offensive line depth.

Max Iheanachor’s selection wasn’t just about Broderick Jones, but it could still benefit the Steelers.

“(GM Omar) Khan on Thursday night acknowledged there was some concern with Jones, but Iheanachor’s position flexibility made him the right pick regardless of Jones’ health,” Pryor wrote.

Looking ahead, Pittsburgh seems to be shaping a new plan for the offensive line. Troy Fautanu and Iheanachor are now seen as the likely tackle duo for the future. That puts Jones in a tough spot where he will have to fight to stay in the mix.

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