Steelers Now
A former offensive lineman of the Pittsburgh Steelers thinks the team could make a major change in the starting lineup next season.
The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Broderick Jones with the No. 14 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft to be their left tackle of the future. However, former Steelers offensive lineman AQ Shipley isn’t so sure that’s how things are going to play out.
Since Jones was placed on injured reserve with what is believed to be a season-ending neck injury, the Steelers have had to turn to backup offensive tackle Dylan Cook, and Shipley believes they have something special in the fourth-year veteran.
“I think they’re gonna have an open competition,” Shipley said on Pittsburgh’s 93.7 The Fan. “I mean, they did invest in Broderick, and he was playing better when he got hurt. So, you’ve got to at least give him the chance to compete for that position, but I think Dylan Cook has played so good that he goes into camp next year as the number one guy.”
Cook, 27, has been impressive when called upon this season, allowing just one sack on 219 offensive snaps played, according to Pro Football Focus.
He also helped hold Cleveland Browns defensive end and Defensive Player of the Year-favorite Myles Garrett, who is one sack away from the NFL single season record, to just one tackle, one quarterback hit and zero sacks in Week 17.
Meanwhile, Jones left much to be desired through his first two seasons in the league. However, he seemed to finally turn a corner for the better this season before suffering his injury.
Either way, both players will be back with the Steelers in 2026 and should be given the opportunity to compete for the starting job.
Jones will likely be the early frontrunner, given Pittsburgh’s heavy investment in him, but if Cook can pick up where he leaves off this season, it could certainly be one of the best position battles of training camp.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Former Steeler Believes Team Could Make Big OL Change in 2026
