Broderick Jones Reacts to Steelers Drafting His Potential Replacement

The Pittsburgh Steelers spent their 2026 first-round pick on former Arizona State star offensive lineman Max Iheanachor – after wide receiver Makai Lemon was sniped out from under their feet by the Philadelphia Eagles.

The selection of Iheanachor spelled the potential end of the line for 2023 first-round pick Broderick Jones, who is working his way back from a neck injury. Jones, who had his fifth-year option declined, opened up on the team’s decision to spend an early pick on the offensive line.

“It’s all a business at the end of the day,” Jones said this week, via the Pittsburgh Tribune. “I’m coming off a neck injury. Nobody knows what the future holds for me.”

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Of course, they have to do what they do to protect themselves at the end of the day. I don’t have any ill will or anything toward them,” he added. “I’m down to help Max wherever he needs me. Because at the end of the day, all of us got to be ready.”

During organized team activities this week the Steelers moved Troy Fautanu, who started at right tackle in 2025, over to left tackle Dylan Cook and Iheanachor worked at right tackle.

Jones could be on the outside of the starting lineup looking in unless he gets healthy in time for the 2026 season, which will be the last for quarterback Aaron Rodgers.

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This story was originally published May 22, 2026 at 12:14 PM.