The Pittsburgh Steelers had been trying to rebuild the offensive line for years, and that was evident through the strategy the franchise was using in the NFL Draft for years. The organization selected Broderick Jones, Troy Fautanu, and Zach Frazier with top picks in consecutive years while also adding Mason McCormick in the fourth round during the 2024 NFL Draft. Things have worked out well with those four players, at least in 2025, but Jones could find himself the odd man out when it is all said and done. He has been dealt a rough hand since joining the Steelers, and his potential season-ending injury in 2025 might be the final straw.
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Steelers offensive tackle Broderick Jones gets ready to block Buffalo Bills pass rusher Leonard Floyd during their 2023 AFC Wildcard matchup in Orchard Park, NY.
During Pittsburgh’s loss to the Chicago Bears earlier in the season, Jones suffered a neck injury that was initially just described as a stinger. However, as time has gone on, the injury seems to be more serious that initially thought, and he will not be returning in 2025. Dylan Cook has started the last two games in his spot and played extremely well, which puts Jones’ status with the team in the foreseeable future up in the air. Team insider Ray Fittipaldo was asked during his recent mailbag for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette whether or not Cook will get a chance to be the starting left tackle in 2026.
“If he continues to play this way, yes,” Fittipaldo wrote.
It seems like the franchise would absolutely be open to letting Cook compete for the starting spot at left tackle in 2026. Obviously the hope is that Jones is okay and will be healthy relatively soon, but the reality of the situation is that he has not lived up to his label as a first-round selection.
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Steelers offensive lineman Dylan Cook (60) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
Cook has been near-perfect through two starts with the Steelers, and he could earn the job moving forward if he continues to play like he has. The franchise has to decide on Jones’ fifth-year option during the 2026 offseason, and as of right now, the Steelers are probably leaning towards declining the option. That would make Jones a free agent after the 2026 season.
Jones’ time in Pittsburgh has not been easy. He was drafted as a left tackle, but was thrust into right tackle during his rookie season, which is where he started over parts of his first two years with the team. He moved back to left tackle in 2025, and things have been shaky at times, but he showed steady improvement throughout the year before getting injured.
Jones’ fifth-year option is projected to cost Pittsburgh nearly $20 million, and there is no reason for the organization to pick that up unless they somehow still believe Jones can reach his full potential. Cook has played well and he is a much cheaper option moving forward than Jones.
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Steelers General Manager Omar Khan meets with fans during the team’s 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
Steelers Have Financial Advantage Sticking With Dylan Cook At Left Tackle
Left tackle is one of the premiere positions in football, therefore it is one of the most expensive. Pittsburgh has Cook under contract through the 2026 season and his cap hit in 2026 is just over $1 million. He is then a restricted free agent during the 2027 offseason. This will allow the Steelers to sign Cook to a one-year tender, which would come at a predetermined salary level, or the two sides can reach an agreement on a different deal that would keep Cook in Pittsburgh for longer.
If the left tackle can continue to play the way that he has, he might be the left tackle of the future for Pittsburgh. He has looked nearly flawless through two starts, but he will have a tough test in Week 17 as the Steelers will be taking on Myles Garrett.
What do you think the Steelers should do at left tackle moving forward? Let us know in the comments below!