Former Steelers First-Round Pick Has Worst Possible Case Scenario Develop

The Pittsburgh Steelers have not been shy about building in the trenches since General Manager Omar Khan took over the NFL Draft process dating back to the 2023 offseason. Each first-round selection has been either an offensive or defensive lineman, highlighting a significant approach to rebuilding part of the roster. It hasn't all gone perfectly, with some inconsistency from Broderick Jones, and early-career injuries from both Troy Fautanu and Derrick Harmon. The idea behind selecting them is certainly respectable, but it remains too early to tell if it was truly the right angle to take take in the hopes of becoming more physical.

In Week 12 against the Chicago Bears, both Jones and Harmon suffered injuries. More notable is the ailment of the offensive lineman. Originally classified as a stinger, it appears to be much more serious than anyone originally imagined. The 2023 first-round was placed on Injured Reserve (IR), which means he will miss a minimum of four games at the team competes to make the playoffs.

The injury comes at an unfortunate time for Jones. The third-year offensive lineman did not have a promising two seasons to start his career, and many attributed that to him being forced to play right tackle instead of left. He finally got the chance to be at his natural position, and has had some highs and lows throughout the course of the 2025 campaign.

The Steelers will have to decide whether or not to pick up his fifth-year option for 2027 during the 2026 offseason. It will be hard for the franchise to commit to doing so, but he had a chance to prove himself at the most important part of the season. Now, he will miss a minimum of four games, and lose opportunities to earn more money. Andrus Peat will step in for the time being as Pittsburgh hopes the veteran can perform at a high level.

Jones doesn't just have to sit on the sidelines for maybe the entire month of December, but Peat could replace him and play well. If that occurs, the Steelers may already then be sold on the fact that picking up Jones' fifth-year option may not be worth it. There are a lot of moving pieces when it comes to Jones' potential future in the Steel City, but the injury absolutely hurts him.

It's easy to argue that the left tackle has not done enough to warrant the club picking up the option, making the 2026 offseason situation more interesting for Pittsburgh. Typically when it is not selected by the organization, it means that the player will not be around much longer. Players like Najee Harris and Devin Bush Jr. both had theirs declined, and didn't end up staying with the team that much longer.

Jones has shown some flashes, but nowhere near as many as the fan base and franchise may have hoped. Finding a left tackle that can start for a decade or more is not easy, so the Steelers' decision may depend on how confident they are that they can find someone better in the near future.

Steelers' Broderick Jones Can't Be Thrilled About Unfortunate Injury

Jones was beginning to come around and make himself some guaranteed money for 2027. Now, that becomes a little cloudy because of his trip to IR. One of the biggest positives about his young career was durability, and now that has been put into question because of what he is currently going through. Pittsburgh's decision-makers will closely be evaluating Peat; not because he is the future, but to see if Jones can easily be replaced.

Do you think the Steelers will still pick up Jones' fifth-year option? Let us know in the comments below!

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