(File Photo: Source for Photo: Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Broderick Jones (77) plays during an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns in Pittsburgh Oct. 12, 2025. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)

Noah Haswell, Beaver County Radio News

(Pittsburgh, PA) The Pittsburgh Steelers are declining offensive tackle Broderick Jones’ fifth-year option, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.

Jones, who turns 25 next month, suffered a season-ending neck injury in a Week 12 loss to the Chicago Bears and underwent offseason surgery. It is unclear whether he will be ready for training camp or the start of the season.

Adam Schefter previously reported that Jones experienced a setback in his recovery about a week before the NFL draft.

The Steelers selected developmental tackle Max Iheanachor with the No. 21 overall pick, a move general manager Omar Khan said was influenced by Jones’ injury.

The Steelers originally selected Jones in the first round of the 2023 draft, trading up to take him with the No. 14 overall pick in Khan’s first draft as general manager.