Back in 2023, the Pittsburgh Steelers made a conscious effort to improve their linebacker room after a disastrous 2022 season where they trotted out the husk of Myles Jack, a struggling Devin Bush, and Robert Spillane. They landed three new linebackers that they hoped would bring the blend of skills needed to form a strong unit: Cole Holcomb, Kwon Alexander, and Elandon Roberts.
Holcomb was the prize of the trio, signing a three-year, $18 million deal after a strong four seasons in Washington. Unfortunately for the Steelers, both he and Alexander missed most of their first season due to major knee injuries. Alexander managed to make a brief return with the Lions in 2024, but Holcomb's injury was severe enough to keep him out for the entire 2024 season.
He made a triumphant return to the field in 2025, playing in 14 games (three starts), and looked the part in run defense, especially. While Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson played the most snaps, you could make a strong argument that Holcomb outplayed them in the limited snaps he was given. With new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham calling the shots, don't be surprised if he decides to lean on the grizzled veteran much more this season.
Cole Holcomb could still be the Pittsburgh Steelers answer at linebacker several years later
Holcomb's successful comeback in 2025 landed him a modest two-year, $5 million deal to return to Pittsburgh this offseason. While that deal suggests that the Steelers view him as quality depth in 2026, the much more expensive Queen has completely failed to justify the deal he signed in 2024 to replace Holcomb.
With Queen entering the final year of his deal, the Steelers shouldn't be afraid to take him off the field for Holcomb if he still looks as lost out there as he has over his last two seasons. Wilson was the player who often came off the field when Holcomb got opportunities last year, but he needs the chance to play through his growing pains if he is ever going to make good on his massive potential.
With the new coaching staff having no real attachment to most of the current roster, they could value Holcomb's veteran presence over the far more volatile Queen. How they all perform and how quickly they pick up the new scheme in camp could be the deciding factor.
Holcomb will never reach the level he may have if he had never suffered his serious leg injury, but he showed last season that his comeback was more than just a gimmick. He is still a player worthy of seeing the field, and don't be shocked if you see him out there far more than expected in 2026.
Add us as a preferred source on Google