The Pittsburgh Steelers have made a tough but telling decision regarding their 2023 first-round pick, declining a $19.1 million fifth-year contract option on offensive tackle Broderick Jones. Drafted 14th overall by head coach Mike Tomlin, Jones will now play out his current rookie deal through 2026, setting him up for unrestricted free agency next year.

According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, “The Steelers are declining the fifth-year option for left tackle Broderick Jones. The option would’ve paid $19.1M. Jones, who is coming off neck surgery, is set to be a 2027 free agent. He has 38 career starts and was playing well pre-injury.” This move continues a notable trend: Jones becomes the fifth straight Steelers first-round pick to have their fifth-year option declined, joining Terrell Edmunds, Devin Bush, Najee Harris, and Kenny Pickett.

Jones, still on his four-year, $16.6 million rookie deal, suffered a neck injury in Week 12 against the Chicago Bears. That setback undoubtedly influenced Pittsburgh’s decision, as the team weighs his recovery and long-term durability. In his first two seasons, Jones started 27 games at right tackle before shifting to left tackle in 2025—a move necessitated by Dan Moore Jr.’s departure to the Tennessee Titans on a four-year, $82 million deal. Over three seasons, Jones has appeared in 45 games with 38 starts, logging nearly 2,500 offensive snaps.

However, the Steelers’ actions at the 2025 NFL Draft sent a clear signal about their future plans. By selecting Arizona State tackle Max Iheanachor with the 21st overall pick—after a trade between the Eagles and Cowboys allowed Philadelphia to draft wide receiver Makai Lemon—Pittsburgh is preparing for life beyond Jones. When healthy, Jones has been a solid presence on the line, but injuries and the team’s evolving roster strategy have made this a pivotal crossroads for the young tackle. For now, the Steelers are betting on a fresh face while Jones fights to prove his worth on the field.