The Pittsburgh Steelers' offensive line might be facing a major shake-up, and according to a recent ESPN analysis, the future looks uncertain for 2023 first-round pick Broderick Jones. The young tackle, who was selected with high hopes, is now predicted to not only lose his starting job but also struggle to win it back.
ESPN's Ben Solak recently named Jones as one of 14 veterans "on the hot seat" following the 2026 NFL Draft. The prediction comes after a series of setbacks for Jones, including a neck injury that has raised serious questions about his availability and performance. Solak points out that Jones' play had already been shaky—his 85.0% pass block win rate ranked 65th out of 68 qualified tackles last season—making an upgrade a logical move for the Steelers.
The situation escalated when the Steelers drafted Arizona State tackle Max Iheanachor in the first round, just days after ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that Jones had suffered a setback in his recovery. To make matters worse, the team declined Jones' fifth-year option, a clear sign that they're planning for life without him as a starter.
"It's not hard to read the writing on the wall here," Solak wrote. "Jones' play was already shaky enough that an early pick on a developmental tackle would have been more than justified. But now that his long-term health is in question, the Steelers urgently needed a succession plan."
With Iheanachor and fellow tackle Troy Fautanu in the mix, Jones faces an uphill battle. If Iheanachor impresses during training camp and secures the starting role for Week 1, it could be a long road back for Jones—even once he's fully healthy. For Steelers fans, this is a developing story that could reshape the team's offensive line for years to come.
