Pittsburgh Steelers legend James Harrison urged offensive tackle Broderick Jones to fully recover from his neck injury before returning to play, prioritizing health over 2026 field time amid free agency uncertainty. This advice follows teammate Christian Kuntz's recent optimism about Jones' full recovery.
On Friday's Deebo and Joe podcast, former Steelers star James Harrison cautioned Broderick Jones: “I would caution him, do not come back too fast trying to get on the field just because you’re a free agent next year. Worst-case scenario, you may not see too much field time this year. But if you can get 100-percent healthy, I know somebody will give you at least a minimum one-year.”
At 25, the 2023 first-round pick could command a better contract by demonstrating durability post-recovery. Jones underwent spinal-fusion surgery in December after a November 2025 injury. Pittsburgh declined his fifth-year option, drafted tackle Max Iheanachor in the first round—citing Jones' status per GM Omar Khan—and holds other tackle depth.
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reporters indicate Jones will miss May/June spring practices but could return for training camp if rehab advances. Khan disputed prior setback reports; Jones did light conditioning in Phase 1 offseason workouts but skipped voluntary minicamp. As covered previously, long snapper Christian Kuntz expressed confidence in a full recovery on his podcast.