Steelers' Broderick Jones Hit With Frightening 'Last Gasp' Assessment

The Pittsburgh Steelers entered the 2026 offseason hoping their offensive line would become one of the strengths of the roster. Instead, uncertainty at offensive tackle has created a developing concern involving Dylan Cook, rookie Max Iheanachor and former first-round pick Broderick Jones.

Iheanachor appeared positioned to challenge for a starting role quickly after Pittsburgh selected him in the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft. An injury has already cost him approximately a week and a half of valuable practice time, creating uncertainty about how quickly he can be prepared for the regular season.

Cook received the first opportunity during Pittsburgh's 28-9 preseason victory over the Green Bay Packers, but his performance created additional questions. That naturally led to speculation that Jones could reenter the competition while Iheanachor works his way back, but Steelers reporter Mark Kaboly does not believe Pittsburgh views that as an appealing solution.

"Whew, I think that's going to... Whew, you really think they would choose Broderick Jones over Dylan Cook, even if Cook struggles a little bit more?" Kaboly asked during Tuesday night's episode of Steelers Collective. "I just don't think so. I think Broderick is last chance, last gasp, nothing better."

That is a sobering description of a player Pittsburgh traded up to select 14th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft. Jones has started 38 games during his career, but inconsistency and a serious neck injury have completely changed his standing within the organization.

Jones required spinal fusion surgery after suffering the injury during the 2025 season. The Steelers later declined his fifth-year option, leaving him scheduled to enter free agency after the 2026 campaign. He has recovered enough to return to the field, but he remains approximately 10 to 15 pounds below his preferred playing weight. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reporter Ray Fittipaldo believes Jones must rebuild his body before the Steelers can seriously consider trusting him again.

"I think Broderick's body, he's got to add weight and he's got to add strength," Fittipaldo said. "What I was talking about with Mark is just keeping the door open for Iheanachor, just in the event that Dylan Cook puts a couple more performances out there like the other night. Then they maybe would consider it closer to the season."

Jones started looking better toward the end of the 2025 season before his injury ended that progress. His experience should theoretically make him a reasonable fallback option, but relying on an offensive tackle who is still rebuilding his strength would carry obvious risk. The former first-round pick now has roughly one month before Pittsburgh opens the regular season against the Atlanta Falcons. That gives him time to add weight, improve his conditioning and prove that he can handle a meaningful role following surgery.

Jones should also have no shortage of motivation. Pittsburgh's decision to decline his option placed his long-term future in doubt, while Iheanachor's arrival provided a clear indication that the organization was preparing for life without him. This may be Jones' final opportunity to change that perception.

Steelers Must Find Reliable Protection For Aaron Rodgers

The competition between Cook, Iheanachor and Jones may become the most important offensive battle remaining before Week 1. Aaron Rodgers will turn 43 during the season, making reliable protection essential to Pittsburgh's championship aspirations. Cook cannot continue producing performances that make the coaching staff question his readiness. Iheanachor must recover without being rushed, especially after missing critical developmental reps. Jones must prove that his body is strong enough to withstand NFL game speed again.

The ideal outcome is Iheanachor returning and eventually securing the job Pittsburgh drafted him to fill. Until then, Cook appears to remain ahead of Jones despite his preseason struggles. Kaboly's assessment suggests Jones will only become the answer if every preferred option fails. That sounds harsh, but Jones still controls part of the outcome. One month of healthy practices could rebuild trust and force the Steelers to reconsider his place in the competition. Pittsburgh cannot afford uncertainty around Rodgers for long. The team has built a roster capable of making a deep run, but that ceiling will disappear quickly if its veteran quarterback is constantly exposed to pressure.