Steelers OT Broderick Jones among 9 players who had their fifth-year options declined
TL;DR
The Pittsburgh Steelers declined the fifth-year option for starting left tackle Broderick Jones, along with eight other players. This decision comes as Jones faces recovery setbacks from a neck injury and the team has drafted a new offensive tackle.
Key points
- Steelers declined fifth-year option for Broderick Jones
- Nine players had their options declined by NFL teams
- Jones faces recovery setbacks from a neck injury
- Steelers drafted offensive tackle Max Iheanachor in 2026
Friday marked the deadline for NFL teams to exercise or decline the fifth-year options on players selected in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. This includes Pittsburgh Steelers starting left tackle Broderick Jones. When the day ended, nine players didn't get their fifth-year options and that included Jones.
Here is the full list of players who had their offers declined and are now scheduled to hit free agency at the end of the 2026 season.
- No. 4: Anthony Richardson
- No. 7: Tyree Wilson
- No. 14: Broderick Jones
- No. 16: Emmanuel Forbes
- No. 18: Jack Campbell
- No. 24: Deonte Banks
- No. 26: Mazi Smith
- No. 28: Myles Murphy
- No. 31: Felix Anudike-Uzomah
Jones was in jeopardy of having his option declined after suffering a neck injury late in the 2025 season. This offseason, there have been reports of a setback in his recovery that could put the start of his season in jeopardy. The Steelers seem to be very much prepared to move on from Jones after selecting offensive tackle Max Iheanachor in the first round of the 2026 NFL draft.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers OT Broderick Jones among 9 players who had their fifth-year options declined
Q&A
Why did the Steelers decline Broderick Jones' fifth-year option?
The Steelers declined Broderick Jones' fifth-year option due to his recovery setbacks from a neck injury and the selection of a new offensive tackle in the 2026 NFL draft.
Who are the other players besides Broderick Jones that had their fifth-year options declined?
Other players include Anthony Richardson, Tyree Wilson, Emmanuel Forbes, Jack Campbell, Deonte Banks, Mazi Smith, Myles Murphy, and Felix Anudike-Uzomah.
What are the implications for Broderick Jones after his fifth-year option was declined?
With his fifth-year option declined, Broderick Jones is set to hit free agency at the end of the 2026 season, potentially impacting his future with the Steelers.