Using the preseason as a way to predict regular-season success/failure is often a fool's errand, but that doesn't stop fans and media alike from overreacting to what happens this time of year. That isn't to say that nothing we see matters, but what does matter is often overlooked. For the Pittsburgh Steelers, their biggest winner is clear, even if he wasn't necessarily their top performer.
Veteran linebacker Cole Holcomb came into this offseason hoping to finally return from the devastating knee injury that ended his 2023 season early. Just making any sort of comeback would be impressive for the 29-year-old, but he has done more than just get back on the practice field.
With multiple new faces in the linebacker room since he last played a snap, he won't be a starter for this team. He showed enough in the preseason, however, to be the clear top backup behind Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson.
Cole Holcomb's return to the Pittsburgh Steelers is massively impressive
Holcomb would have been one of the winners of the preseason just for making it back out there in a real game situation, but he looked the part of a solid, all-around linebacker in his snaps this preseason. He isn't quite as athletic as he was when he signed with Pittsburgh back in 2023, but his football IQ and toughness in the run game are still there in spades.
He appears to be the clear third linebacker for the Steelers, something that seemed unlikely after missing nearly two years due to his knee injury. Queen is the unquestioned top linebacker for now, and Payton Wilson looks primed for a true breakout season as his running mate.
If either of them were to struggle or miss time, however, the Steelers are lucky to have Holcomb back in the fold. Had he been unable to return, one of Malik Harrison or Mark Robinson would suddenly be in line for significant snaps. Harrison is a solid run stopper, but he lacks even more speed and quickness than Holcomb. Robinson is a solid special teamer, but has never put it together on defense.
Only time will tell if Holcomb can stick around in the NFL for a few more seasons, but he is the Steelers' biggest winner this offseason just for making it this far.