Steelers Encouraged To Upgrade Left Tackle Position Immediately: "I'm About Ready To Write Off Broderick Jones"

The Pittsburgh Steelers have many remaining holes in their roster and will look to the 2025 NFL Draft and the remainder of free agency to get their lineup up to speed. In discussions regarding the positions that are in need of an upgrade, the offensive line comes up frequently. While there are flashier and arguably more pressing positions that need to be filled, one Steelers offensive tackle in particular was singled out by an NFL analyst as someone who may lose their starting spot on the team.

Analyst Sam Monson appeared on The Mina Kimes Show featuring Lenny on Wednesday to discuss every NFL team's biggest need. When talking about the Steelers, Monson brought up lots of needs the team had, but zeroed in on one player in particular, Broderick Jones.

"They probably need a left tackle," said Monson. "I'm about ready to write off Broderick Jones."

Jones was selected by the Steelers in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. In his two years with the Steelers, he has played in every regular season game and both of the team's playoff appearances. Unfortunately, for a first-round draft pick, Jones has had an underwhelming tenure with the Steelers.

Jones gave up 11 sacks in the 2024 season, finishing just behind Dan Moore Jr. for most sacks allowed in the league. Jones is poised to move to left tackle next season, with 2024 first-round pick Troy Fautanu taking over at right tackle. As far as a replacement for Jones, the Steelers' best option would likely be to look towards the draft.

Monson listed several other positions the Steelers need to fill going into the 2025 season. Obviously, a quarterback, but also a running back who could be comparable to Najee Harris. 

"I had running back as one," Monson said regarding the team's needs. "I don't love Warren as an every-down player, I think they need a committee. And that's not a knock on Warren, most people use a committee at this point."

Running back Jaylen Warren is the highest-profile player in his position since the departure of Harris from the team. However, Pittsburgh signed running back Kenneth Gainwell during free agency. Gainwell and Warren may compete for the position of RB1 during training. Gainwell played behind Saquon Barkley last season and comes to Pittsburgh with lots to prove.

Compared to the rest of the Steelers' roster needs, how pressing is Pittsburgh's need to sign a new tackle? It all depends on how the rest of free agency goes for the team. Until the quarterback situation is resolved, it will remain the team's top priority, with everything else taking a back seat.

Steelers Should Focus On Quarterback First Before The Offensive Line

Aaron Rodgers has continued to drag out the process of signing with a team, keeping the Steelers in suspense. Should all the waiting be for nothing, and Rodgers simply retires instead of signing with Pittsburgh, the Steelers may draft a quarterback. In that case, the Steelers will likely have to make do with Jones for another season, or try to find his replacement in the later rounds of the draft.

It may be too early to judge Jones as a player, as he only has two years under his belt. Once he has played at left tackle for a complete season with the Steelers, it may be more apparent how skilled of a player Jones is. Should Jones have a disappointing 2025 season, the Steelers would do good to start looking for his replacement. 

While a lot is riding on the upcoming season for Jones, namely a role as a starter on the team, his job may be secure for the simple fact that he was a large investment and he's owed time to perform at his natural position. 

Are you ready to write off Jones? Do you think that he will fare better as a left tackle in 2025? Let us know in the comments below.

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