Steelers Now
Pittsburgh Steelers left tackle Broderick Jones will be protecting the blind side of 41-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers in 2025. He’ll have to be on his ‘A’ game, as the offense will run through Rodgers. If Rodgers gets injured, the Steelers’ entire plans in 2025 will blow up in smoke.
At minicamp, Jones admitted that he’s not quite there on his comfort with his new role.
“I think it went as good as it could go,” Jones said. “You know, with everything going on — with me moving back to [LT] from [RT]. I still got a couple more weeks to hone in on my skills and continue to develop on the left side — and come in ready for [training camp].
“If I’m being honest, I think I probably do need a couple more weeks. Not saying I’d be bad, but just for me. Just to feel like I’m in the mindset to play an actual game — versus somebody else other than going against Alex Highsmith or Nick [Herbig].”
Broderick Jones never complained about spending his first two seasons at right tackle, and steadfastly refused to blame his struggles over those season on him playing a new positions.
But it’s always been clear that Jones wanted to be on the left side. He also said during OTAs that it feels more natural for him to play there.
“It does,” Jones said. “When they initially moved me to right tackle and then I played there for so long and then they tried to make me like the swing tackle, it was kinda funky. But, I knew I would be going back to left.”
Through two seasons, Jones has struggled in pass protection — an area that was obviously not his strength coming out of Georgia. He allowed 11 sacks last season, according to charting by Pro Football Focus.
Perhaps the change to left tackle could be beneficial to Jones. If not, the Steelers will be looking for a replacement. To say the least, this will be a crucial Year 3 for the Georgia product.
6-foot-5, 311 Pounds, 24 years old, Third Season
Acquired: The Steelers drafted Jones out of the University of Georgia with the 14th overall pick in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. The Steelers traded up in the first round of the draft to be able to select the Georgia product. The team traded pick No. 17 and pick No. 120 to the New England Patriots for the No. 14 pick that they used to select Jones.
Last Year: Jones was benched early in the year for his subpar play, but with rookie Troy Fautanu out for the year, the Steelers really have no choice but to play him. They don’t have anyone on the roster who would be better.
After a solid rookie campaign, Jones struggled mightily at right tackle in 2024. A right elbow injury was noted as a possible reason for his...
