Pittsburgh Steelers tackle Broderick Jones before a game against the Seattle Seahawks on Sept. 15, 2025. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
Broderick Jones was in a prove-it situation last season, trying to show the Pittsburgh Steelers that he could be dependable at left tackle. His campaign was cut short when then-Chicago Bears defensive lineman Dominique Robinson yanked him down by his helmet, injuring his neck.
Steelers legend James Harrison, who retired as the team’s all-time leader in sacks, understands the business decision his former team made by declining Jones’ fifth-year option on Friday. With Jones’ future with the team very much in doubt, Harrison is advising him to do what’s best for him.
“I would caution him, ‘Do not come back too fast trying to get on the field just because you’re a free agent next year,’” Harrison said Friday on the “Deebo & Joe” podcast. “Worst-case scenario, you may not see too much field time this year, but if you could get 100% healthy, I know somebody will give you at least a minimum, one-year (deal) — you’re only 25 — to get back into that position and show that you can play and get through a full year healthy with no incidents, and then, the next year, get another contract that’s to what you were expecting as long as you can get back to the level of play that you were at.”
Pittsburgh Steelers tackle Broderick Jones during a game against the Indianapolis Colts on Nov. 2, 2025. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
The Steelers selected Arizona State offensive tackle Max Iheanachor with the No. 21 overall pick in last month’s 2026 NFL Draft. Jones has made 38 starts over three seasons for the Steelers, starting all 11 games he played in a campaign ago at left tackle.
The fifth-year option would have kept Jones in Pittsburgh through the end of the 2027 season, with a fully-guaranteed cost of $19.072 million. The Steelers could still iron out a contract extension at a different amount with Jones between now and when his contract is currently scheduled to expire next March.
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