As the NFL Combine progresses, there will be plenty of news surrounding the Pittsburgh Steelers. The team will meet with many prospects in attendance, and this is also when pending free agents begin gauging their potential contract value ahead of negotiations with other clubs on March 9. The combine is full of news with coaches and general managers meeting with the media.
Steelers' general manager Omar Khan met with the Pittsburgh media on Tuesday, and he had interesting tidbits throughout.
One unexpected moment came when he delivered a discouraging update about one of Pittsburgh’s rising stars. It appears the team could be without starting left tackle Broderick Jones for an extended period. He suffered a significant injury last season, and it could linger, as Ray Fittiapldo reported.
"Omar Khan said he did not know if Broderick Jones would be ready for training camp." Fittipaldo's tweet continued, "Jones suffered a serious neck injury in November."
It would be a tough blow for the franchise to recover from. They put blind faith that Jones would figure things out during his young NFL career. The Steelers traded up to select him 14th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, and after a shaky start to his career, he was playing well before the neck injury occurred.
Khan has to decide on his fifth-year option this offseason, and this won't help Jones's cause.
Pittsburgh Steelers GM Omar Khan might have to draft an OT after the latest Broderick Jones comments
Not having Jones at the start of training camp is one thing, but if he misses most of the preseason, it could be terrible. To make matters worse, you can't rule out the possibility of this recovery extending into the regular season. Not having a starting tackle on the left side of your offensive line could lead to disaster, especially if Aaron Rodgers returns.
They could be desperate to fill that void.
With news of their young tackle potentially being out for a significant time, don't be shocked if they meet with linemen this week at the combine. If Jones has even a small inkling that he could be out for weeks into the regular season, the club would be wise to draft an offensive tackle. They need insurance to make sure Rodgers, or whoever the quarterback is this season, stays upright.
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Pittsburgh saw a resurgence across the offensive line this past campaign, and that is mostly a result of the team investing heavily in the draft. The NFL Combine presents another opportunity for them to continue that trend. With Isaac Seumalo potentially departing in free agency and the news that Khan dropped about Jones, the club could find itself drafting two offensive linemen.
There are some intriguing offensive tackles heading into the 2026 NFL Draft for Khan and the Steelers to monitor.
Some names who could have terrific combines and shoot up Pittsburgh's draft board include Spencer Fano, Kadyn Proctor, Caleb Lomu, Monroe Freeling, and Max Iheanachor. It's a talented draft crop this year, so if Khan's update about Jones spells doom, they have some options to target.