The Pittsburgh Steelers were active early in free agency, landing help at key positions of need with players like Michael Pittman Jr., Jamel Dean, and Rico Dowdle. Meanwhile, quarterback remains an issue, and the Steelers are anxiously searching for a guard who can replace Isaac Seumalo.
But one position that isn't getting enough attention is offensive tackle.
Broderick Jones may not be ready for training camp, as he recovers from spinal fusion surgery. Meanwhile, backup Dylan Cook did a respectable job in Jones' absence late in the season, but the sample size is small. Cook has a compact frame and below-average athletic traits compared to starting offensive tackles, and he could plummet back down to earth if thrust into a full-time role.
Here's what stings: the Steelers had the perfect Jones insurance policy sitting in their lap in free agency: Braxton Jones. Unfortunately, Pittsburgh let this opportunity pass them by.
The Pittsburgh Steelers should have signed free-agent OT Braxton Jones
On Monday, NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported that the Bears were re-signing Jones to a one-year contract, later confirmed to be just a $5 million deal for the 2026 season (which included another $5 million in incentives).
At this rate, how the could the Steelers not get in on this action?
Jones started 44 of 46 NFL games over his first four NFL seasons in Chicago. The former small-school prospect out of Southern Utah has a fantastic size profile. His 6'5 1/4'', 310-pound frame is comparable to Broderick Jones, but his 35 3/8'' arms and 83 1/2'' are even longer. Jones is also a quality athlete and a good mover at the OT position.
The best part is that Jones will be just 27 years old for the 2026 season. This addition could have created a scenario where Braxton Jones battled with Broderick and Dylan Cook for the starting left tackle spot. If Broderick proved unable to play early in training camp, Braxton could step in and not miss a beat. In fact, this would likely be an improvement.
The Steelers don't seem to have a remnant of a long-term plan at the offensive tackle position. Between Broderick and Braxton Jones, they could have found their guy. Pittsburgh passed up a discount starting left tackle with youth and traits in free agency when they should have pounced.