Steelers Skip Jones' Option, Fans Worry

0:00On May 1st, Pittsburgh Steelers just passed on offensive tackle, Broderick Jones' fifth year option. That move would have cost them just over $19 million in 2027. Jones is nursing a neck injury that might sideline him through training camp. This bumps their streak of skipping first round options to five straight years. The last one they grabbed was TJ White back in the day. Diving deeper, this pattern started rolling with guys like Terrell Edmonds, whose option they let laps before he inked a one-year deal to stick. Around in 2022, meanwhile, Devon Bush bounced to the Seattle Seahawks in 2023, then Cleveland Browns, and now he's with the Chicago Bears. Najee Harris hit free agency after his decline, last May, and signed with the Los Angeles Chargers this year. Kenny Pickett got traded to the Philadelphia Eagles after just two seasons. Fans are buzzing about what this means for roster stability. Some see it as smart cat management. Others worry it signals deeper issues up front.

1:01These declines have forced quick pivots like Harris landing elsewhere and producing right away. Looking ahead, 2024 first round pick Troy Fautanu is next up for his option decision. With the streak alive, all eyes stay locked on how Pittsburgh plays this long game for their line.