After Serving His Sentence, Former Raiders First-Round Pick Announces Desire to Join New England Patriots — Willing to Start Over as a Rookie Patriots  for a Chance to Return to the NFL

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania  The Pittsburgh Steelers have officially announced they will part ways with Broderick Jones, the former first-round pick of the team. This decision comes as the organization prioritizes financial flexibility and prepares for a long-term strategy, especially with the goal of maintaining a high position in the 2026 NFL Draft. Jones, who has shown promising potential, will become a free agent in March 2026 unless a contract extension is agreed upon. "It's always a difficult decision when you have to part ways with a player you've trusted. But in the end, we have to make decisions that give us the best opportunity to continue building this team for the future," said Steelers GM Omar Khan. The decision to decline Jones's $20 million contract option is part of the team's plan to free up cap space for the 2026 season, as the Steelers are projected to be $19-22 million over the cap. This move also gives the Steelers the opportunity to receive a compensatory draft pick in the 2026 Draft, which could be as high as the third or fourth round, or even higher if Jones signs with an NFC team. Despite being a highly anticipated first-round selection in the 2023 NFL Draft, Jones has not fully lived up to expectations with the Steelers. Over his two seasons in Pittsburgh, he has dealt with injuries and inconsistent performances, making it difficult for him to become a cornerstone of the team’s offensive line. In 2025, he ranked 53rd out of 88 offensive tackles in Pro Football Focus’s grading system. Despite these challenges, Jones remains a talented player with significant potential. His agents are now exploring options for his next team, with reports suggesting that teams such as the Washington Commanders, Miami Dolphins, and New England Patriots have expressed interest. His market value is projected to be in the range of $9–15 million per year. "This is just the beginning of a new chapter for Broderick," said his agent. "He’s an incredibly talented player with a bright future. We’ve already started negotiations with several teams, and there is significant interest in him as an important piece for a new offensive line." Meanwhile, the Steelers will continue to strengthen their roster with new selections in the 2026 Draft. They may look for a suitable and more affordable replacement for Jones. This decision also reflects a long-term strategy, as the Steelers have now built enough depth at the offensive tackle position and are focusing on improving the overall performance of their offensive line. Parting ways with Broderick Jones serves as a reminder of the tough choices teams must make in the business of the NFL, balancing financial realities with performance expectations. It also marks a strategic move to ensure the Steelers' long-term success. All eyes will now be on Jones and the next steps in his career as he prepares to embark on the next chapter of his NFL journey.