The Pittsburgh Steelers have a ton of questions that need to be answered during the 2025 offseason, all throughout the roster. The quarterback position is the most important as the only quarterback currently under contract is Skyler Thompson. In addition to quarterback, wide receiver and the offensive line also presents some concerns. Pittsburgh is expected to move on from James Daniels and Dan Moore Jr. ahead of the 2025 season, which would make their offensive line one of the youngest in the league.
Pittsburgh made some good selections during the 2024 NFL Draft to solidify the offensive line. Zach Frazier seems like he can transform into one of the best centers in the league, while Mason McCormick was a pleasant surprise at right guard.
Troy Fautanu also looked good in his lone game, and he should be a quality upgrade at right tackle. Arguably the biggest wildcard on the offensive line going into the 2025 season is Broderick Jones, who is expected to take over at left tackle while Fautanu resumes his role at right tackle.
Team insider Gerry Dulac spoke about the offensive line during a written piece on the outlook of the 2025 roster, and he presented some concerns about Jones.
"However, Broderick Jones did not develop as much in his second season as the Steelers were expecting, which should make his presumptive move to left tackle in 2025 all the more interesting." Dulac wrote. "They want Jones to be more committed to his job."
Dulac expressed some concerns about Jones' commitment to his job. This is not something the fanbase wants to hear as Jones was the organization's first-round selection in the 2023 NFL Draft. The franchise traded up in the first round to select Jones, and he showed some signs of regression during his second season in 2024.
Jones struggled with penalties during the 2024 season, and he is also showed signs of struggle in both the run game and passing game. It is important to note that Jones was drafted as a left tackle, but he has only started one game there in his professional career. He has been forced to play right tackle, but with Moore expected to leave Pittsburgh in free agency Jones should be assuming the left tackle position.
The young player started one game at left tackle in relief of an injury Moore during his rookie year in 2023. It was arguably the best game of Jones' career, which should make fans a bit optimistic moving forward. Jones likely feels more comfortable on the left side of the offensive line.
Assuming Fautanu can stay healthy for the 2025 season, they should be the two bookends on the offensive line. Fautanu started one game at right tackle during the 2024 season, and he looked good but suffered a season-ending knee injury during the next week of practice
Steelers Being Worried With Broderick Jones' Commitment Is Extremely Concerning
Jones has faced a decent amount of adversity so far in his NFL career. He didn't start at the beginning of his rookie year, and he only entered the starting lineup after Chukwuma Okorafor was surprisingly benched. Starting on the right side of the offensive line has been an adjustment for Jones, and once he is able to go back to his natural position it is the hope that he lives up to his first-round label.
Pittsburgh's offensive line will be lacking experience in 2025. Aside from Isaac Seumalo, the rest of the group will be in their second or third season in the league. Jones will be the offensive lineman with the second-most experience in the unit, and it is crucial that he takes a considerable step forward.
