A devastating injury and a bold draft move cast a long shadow over a promising offensive lineman's future with the Steelers.
The Pittsburgh Steelers appeared ready to take wide receiver Makai Lemon in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft until Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman pulled a fast one, trading with the Dallas Cowboys to move up to grab the USC pass catcher with the No. 20 pick.
That trade made Steelers general manager Omar Khan readjust his pick, choosing to draft Max Iheanachor with the No. 21 pick. The offensive tackle's selection in the first round made Thursday's decision by Pittsburgh even more necessary.
Per ESPN's Brooke Pryor, the Steelers declined to pick up the fifth-year option for offensive tackle Broderick Jones, a first-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Jones suffered a season-ending neck injury that required surgery in 2025. The offensive tackle suffered a setback before the draft in April, and that played a role in Pittsburgh's decision to draft Iheanachor.
"Sure, that's a little bit of a concern," Khan said amid the draft. "... 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 are uncertain if Jones will return to practice during training camp after suffering the setback, and he could miss the beginning of the season.
Declining the fifth-year option appears to be foreshadowing that the Steelers will move on from Jones after 2026, meaning he would enter free agency in 2027.
Jones has appeared in 45 games for the Steelers and started in 38.
The Steelers are already looking to the future with Iheanachor. During an appearance with Adam Schien of Mad Dog Radio, Pittsburgh head coach Mike McCarthy said the new offensive tackle is a perfect fit for the organization.
“If there’s an offensive lineman that was meant to play for the Pittsburgh Steelers, it’s definitely Max. His skill set, to me, that jumps off the tape at you,” McCarthy said, via Steelers Now. “He’s definitely built for this. You look at his background, his soccer background, you could see it, just with his versatility.
"Both in pass pro, and run blocking. When he gets his hands on you, he sticks. And he does a really good job of reacting to second and third reactions. So, I think he has a very, very bright future. We’re really excited to have him.”
Jones could return from the injury in time for the season and get a chance to compete during the regular season. If he plays well, the Steelers could re-sign him in the offseason.
But that situation is doubtful for now.