Steelers Reportedly Make Contract Decision on Broderick Jones amid Injury, Max Iheanachor Draft Pick

The Pittsburgh Steelers will not exercise their fifth-year option on offensive tackle Broderick Jones' rookie deal, per ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, who provided more information.

Jones, a former Georgia star and two-time national champion, was the No. 13 overall pick in the 2023 NFL draft. He has started 38 of 45 games for the Steelers over three seasons. Jones spent most of his time at right tackle in 2023 and 2024 before moving to left tackle in 2025. He's now set to be a free agent after the 2026 season.

As noted by ESPN's Brooke Pryor, Jones suffered a season-ending neck injury in the Steelers' 31-28 loss at the Chicago Bears on Nov. 23. Sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter that Jones suffered a setback during his rehab. Pryor wrote that it's "unclear if he'll be able to return by training camp or the start of the season."

The Steelers selected offensive tackle Max Iheanachor with the No. 21 overall pick in the NFL draft. General manager Omar Khan was asked if Jones' injury was a factor in selecting Iheanachor.

"Sure, that's a little bit of a concern," Khan said last week, per Pryor. "... You guys all hear me talk about versatility, too, and we got guys on the offensive line that can play different positions in the offensive line. And as I mentioned, we have options."

The Steelers have not picked up a fifth-year option on a player since superstar edge-rusher T.J. Watt, per Derrick Bell of Steelers Now.

The Jones news comes amid the ongoing wait for an answer from quarterback Aaron Rodgers regarding his future. The 42-year-old Rodgers, a four-time NFL MVP, is pondering a return to the NFL for his 22nd season. He played last year for the Steelers, who placed a UFA tender on Rodgers Tuesday.

Pittsburgh is entering a new era under first-year head coach Mike McCarthy, who took over for Mike Tomlin after the longtime Steelers coach stepped down after 19 seasons. The Steelers went 10-7 and won the AFC North last year before losing to the Houston Texans in the AFC Wild Card round.