The Pittsburgh Steelers are gearing up to host the 2026 NFL Draft, but they still have some questions to answer. While the organization has been busy at work filling out some holes on its roster, they continue to prepare for the draft to finalize filling their needs ahead of the 2026 season. One need is along the offensive line with Isaac Seumalo departing and signing with the Arizona Cardinals. There is also the unknown of the former first-round pick, left tackle Broderick Jones.
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Pittsburgh Steelers offensive tackle Broderick Jones (77) lines up for a game in 2023 against the Buffalo Bills in Pittsburgh, PA.
On Monday, General Manager Omar Khan spoke about Jones' health and where he stands as far as his status for the 2026 campaign. Khan's comments came at the NFL's Annual League Meeting in Phoenix, Arizona. Jones, who suffered a serious neck injury in Week 12 of 2025, could be healthy for the 2026 season based off the comments made from Khan. This would be a big relief to the team, as that would be one less need they have ahead of the draft.
"Broderick's starting to do more and more," Khan said. "I talked to him a couple times over the last couple weeks. He's in a good place and ready to work hard and do whatever he can to be ready to go."
Jones started in 11 games for Pittsburgh in 2025 before going down to an injury in a game against the Chicago Bears. The injury came on a touchdown drive where Jones was attempting to help quarterback Mason Rudolph avoid a sack. Since the injury, a few different players filled in for Jones, but most notably, Dylan Cook started the final four games as his replacement, as well as the playoff game against the Houston Texans.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers guard Andrus Peat (71) and Steelers offensive tackle Dylan Cook (60) during a regular season matchup between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns.
While it is possible Pittsburgh selects a wide receiver with their first-round pick at 21 overall come late April this year, some have speculated it could be offensive line instead. The trade to acquire Michael Pittman Jr. helped to shift the priority at the position as well, especially considering the team would like to develop Roman Wilson moving forward. Another key component to this situation is the depth of this year's wide receiver class, which allows the team the flexibility to wait on using a pick for that position until the first round has concluded.
The Steelers' offensive line was a unit that improved as the season progressed in 2025. With the team awaiting a final decision on quarterback Aaron Rodgers, it is vital that they continue to play how they were as the season unfolded last year again in 2026. Whether it is Rodgers, or the team pivots in another direction, the organization has made moves that set them up to succeed under Mike McCarthy, but the quarterback will need great protection in the pocket.
Steelers' Young And Improved Line Is Key In 2026 Success
The team has made some great acquisitions since NFL free agency opened up in early March. They have also received some high praise, including being ranked number one for their offseason moves thus far by ESPN -- amongst other outlets. Now that the team has acquired a great running mate for DK Metcalf in Pittman, a consistently good offensive line can help them take the next step on offense in 2026.
Steelers.com
The Pittsburgh Steelers' starting offensive line in 2025 featuring Troy Fautanu (76), Mason McCormick (66), Zach Frazier (54), Isaac Seumalo (73(, and Broderick Jones (77).
Jones being ready for the 2026 season would be huge news for the team, and fans, given the severity and seriousness of his injury. While Jones struggled to consistently play well, he did start to show some promise last season before he got hurt. Should the team want to see an improved offensive output in 2026, they will need Jones healthy and the offensive line to continue to mesh well as a unit, like they did as 2025 played out.
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