Broderick Jones Officially Signs With Pittsburgh Steelers

Former Georgia offensive tackle Broderick Jones officially signed his rookie deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Pittsburgh Steelers drafted Broderick Jones 14th overall in the 2023 draft, making him the first offensive Bulldog taken in the draft. Now, Jones has signed his rookie contract, which is reported to be worth four years at $16.6 million, the team announced Friday, June 23rd. 

Jones was an impressive offensive tackle for the Bulldogs last season, starting in every game the Dawgs played and not giving up a single sack all season. The 6' 5" 311 lb product from Lithonia, GA, had to wait his turn for this opportunity to shine, though, like many other players before him and under the Kirby Smart regime. But, with just 19 starts in his collegiate career, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin already has praise for the rookie. 

In a press release from the team regarding Jones's signing, Tomlin stated, "I was in Athens a year ago and took a group of his former teammates out and said to them 'give me a name we are going to be back for in 12 months.' Universally Broderick's name was the guy's name we got 12 months ago." 

Tomlin also had this to say regarding Jones' current ability as a player - 

"He's got big-time upside, but I also say he's a really good player right now. He's got a competitor's mentality. He is wired for this line of work. He's got a desire to be great. He's highly competitive. Hw has been a part of a winner." 

He is a winner, just like his former teammates Jones will join on the Steelers, George Pickens, and Darnell Washington. Jones will also be joining the Steelers' new franchise QB Kenny Pickett, who was sacked 27 times last season. The Steelers were looking to bolster their offensive line to help protect their new QB, and Jones will surely provide that depth. 

However, his skills will be tested this season. Jones will likely see his first action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on August 11th at 7 p.m. in Tampa, FL, repping the No. 77 to pay homage and continue on Devin Willock's legacy.