The Steelers are declining Broderick Jones' fifth-year option, a team source confirms with DK Pittsburgh Sports. Without a contract extension, Jones will now be set for unrestricted free agency following the 2026 season.
May 1 is the deadline this year for picking up fifth-year options. As I've reported, this decision has been expected for weeks, it just now has to become official. Had the Steelers picked up the option, they would have paid Jones a fully-guaranteed $19.1 million in 2027.
Jones, 24, sustained a neck injury in the Steelers' Week 12 loss to the Bears and missed the remainder of the season. He underwent fusion surgery to repair the injury, but his rehab has been wildly unpredictable.
There was a report of a setback in his rehab. Through sources I've spoken with, there hasn't been a true setback, but the team has no firm indication of when -- or if -- Jones will be able to return. Him being in the offensive line mix during training camp, or even by the start of the season, is far from an expectation.
Though Jones' overall play has not lived up to the hype of being a 14th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the uncertainty surrounding his return from surgery is the main motivation for the Steelers not picking up his option. The Steelers still like Jones and don't want to give up on him. However, this injury/rehab has forced their hand.
THE ASYLUM
Jones' fifth-year option declined
The Steelers are declining Broderick Jones' fifth-year option, a team source confirms with DK Pittsburgh Sports. Without a contract extension, Jones will now be set for unrestricted free agency following the 2026 season.
May 1 is the deadline this year for picking up fifth-year options. As I've reported, this decision has been expected for weeks, it just now has to become official. Had the Steelers picked up the option, they would have paid Jones a fully-guaranteed $19.1 million in 2027.
Jones, 24, sustained a neck injury in the Steelers' Week 12 loss to the Bears and missed the remainder of the season. He underwent fusion surgery to repair the injury, but his rehab has been wildly unpredictable.
There was a report of a setback in his rehab. Through sources I've spoken with, there hasn't been a true setback, but the team has no firm indication of when -- or if -- Jones will be able to return. Him being in the offensive line mix during training camp, or even by the start of the season, is far from an expectation.
Though Jones' overall play has not lived up to the hype of being a 14th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the uncertainty surrounding his return from surgery is the main motivation for the Steelers not picking up his option. The Steelers still like Jones and don't want to give up on him. However, this injury/rehab has forced their hand.
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