Broderick Jones

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

The Pittsburgh Steelers significantly overpaid for potential over production, as Broderick Jones earns an **F CVI** on this four-year, $16.6M deal that guarantees every dollar upfront. Paying $4.2M annually for an unproven offensive tackle represents a substantial gamble, especially when that compensation puts him in solid starter territory despite lacking the resume to justify such faith. The Steelers essentially bet their salary cap space on developmental upside rather than established value, which creates immediate pressure on Jones to perform at a level his track record doesn't support. The fully guaranteed structure compounds the risk by eliminating any financial flexibility if Jones struggles to meet expectations or suffers injury setbacks. Pittsburgh's front office clearly views Jones as a foundational piece, but this contract reflects more hope than analytical value, leaving the franchise vulnerable to significant dead money if their projection proves overly optimistic.

Performance Analysis

Broderick Jones pulls an F for the Steelers at offensive tackle, a disastrous grade for a first-round pick who was supposed to be the future of Pittsburgh's offensive line. Jones has been beaten by NFL pass rushers with alarming frequency, and his technique has actually regressed since entering the league. The Steelers have a proud tradition of physical offensive line play, and Jones has been an embarrassment to that legacy. His footwork is sloppy, his hands are inconsistent, and he looks lost against speed rushers. Pittsburgh needs Jones to figure it out immediately, because they cannot afford to have whiffed this badly on a first-round pick.

Current Sentiment

Broderick Jones enters the 2026 season carrying significant baggage from a disappointing tenure that has media and fans questioning whether the Steelers made the right call investing premium draft capital in the offensive tackle. The third-year player's struggles with consistency and fundamental technique issues have dominated coverage, with beat writers and analysts frequently highlighting his inability to develop into the reliable blindside protector Pittsburgh desperately needs. His poor pass protection metrics and ongoing discipline problems have created a narrative of unfulfilled potential at one of the NFL's most critical positions. Media framing has been particularly harsh regarding his failure to show meaningful progress, with many outlets suggesting he's trending toward bust status rather than the franchise cornerstone the Steelers envisioned. The overwhelming sentiment reflects skepticism about Jones' long-term viability as a starter, earning him a C+ grade as he faces what many consider a make-or-break season. Unless he demonstrates dramatic improvement in 2026, the narrative surrounding Jones will likely shift from developmental project to disappointing investment.