As the Pittsburgh Steelers head into the 2024 offseason, there will be plenty of questions about players still under contract and their roles with the team moving forward. When it comes to the rookie class of 2023, there is a lot of hope for the future with the many contributions the class made in their first season.

One player in particular is rookie offensive tackle Broderick Jones. After the Steelers traded up to the 14th pick to select the young, athletic tackle, there were many who realized the truth that Jones was extremely talented yet raw and would need up some time to develop. Playing most of Week 4 and starting Week 5 for an injured Dan Moore Jr., Jones went back to the sidelines until he took over the starting right tackle job in Week 9.

With many Steelers fans thinking Broderick Jones would be the left tackle for years to come, seeing him cutting his teeth at right tackle this season was not what they expected. But is a change to left tackle coming in 2024?

Mike Tomlin was asked in his end-of-the-year press conference on Thursday if Jones is now his left tackle for next season or if he will stay on the right side.

“Undecided as of yet,” Tomlin replied. “Obviously, he has capabilities in that area, but he was more than capable at right tackle as well.”

With Coach Tomlin being non-committal as to where Jones will be next year, is he doing the Steelers most recent first-round pick a disservice? Should Jones head into the offseason knowing whether or not he’s going to be used on the right side or left side?

While there could be an advantage of having Jones focus on one specific tackle position, he’s already shown the ability to play both sides. Whether it be on the right side or left side, Broderick Jones needs to focus on his overall improvement, particularly in pass protection.

So why won’t the Steelers commit to having Jones on one side versus the other?

To me, it’s the wise move. I don’t believe anything should be even penciled in at the other offensive tackle position for 2024. While I believe Jones will be one of the starting tackles, exactly how the offseason plays out will likely be the determining factor of which side he ultimately starts in 2024.

The reason I say this is the Steelers should keep their options open to upgrade the tackle position. When free agency rolls around, if the Steelers have the opportunity to sign a quality veteran tackle, they shouldn’t have to focus on one side or the other. If the Steelers have the opportunity to land a quality left tackle in free agency, then Broderick Jones may stay on the right side for a little while.

At the same time, I don’t think the Steelers need to be looking for a left tackle. I think they would be just as well off seeing what they can do at right tackle as it may be an easier position to fill. But, why close off the options this early in the offseason?

Additionally, everything that was just said about free agency could also be applied to the NFL draft. If the Steelers have another left tackle fall in their lap for the first round, they should not be afraid to pull the trigger simply because a Broderick Jones. At the same time, it might be a right tackle that would be available for the Steelers. Either way, having the flexibility is what is most important.

Of course, to the dismay of many in Steelers’ Nation, I’m still not ready to write off Dan Moore Jr. Whether or not he will still be in the mix to be a starter next season for the Steelers at offensive tackle remains to be seen. Moore is coming off his best game as a professional in my opinion as he did a very nice job against the Buffalo Bills. Additionally, his work ethic has been commended many times by those in the locker room. Ultimately, the Steelers shouldn’t settle for the performance they got from Dan Moore in 2023 as they should look to get greater production for the position. Whether that is Moore, Jones, or another player really doesn’t matter.

While some may make the argument that not putting Broderick Jones in his “natural position” could be hindering his growth in all honesty I believe the better an offensive lineman is, the better he can adapt to play any position. If Dan Moore can only play left tackle because he struggles moving to the other side, that does speak to his ability as an overall offensive lineman. For example, I think of Maurkice Pouncey who played center for the Steelers but was basically an emergency player for anywhere on the offensive line and almost ended up playing offensive tackle in a pinch during his career. Pouncey was an outstanding lineman and could use his skills regardless of where he lined up.

I believe Broderick Jones is that kind of offensive lineman. Although he might be more comfortable on the left side, I believe Jones is skilled enough that he could go wherever he is needed in order to give the Steelers the best lineup. Ultimately, what’s going to shape the Steelers offensive line for 2024 is Jones working out the “raw” parts of his game. If he is able to do so after just one season, the sky is the limit for the Steelers young tackle.