The Pittsburgh Steelers shocked the fanbase when they traded both offensive tackle Broderick Jones and running back Kaleb Johnson within a 24-hour span in the moments leading up to the NFL roster deadline. But perhaps even more surprising was the fact that the team decided to release veteran linebacker Elandon Roberts.
When Roberts was signed ahead of Pittsburgh's second preseason game, it was with the idea that the veteran would have a spot as a rotational linebacker. Roberts still excels at coming downhill, taking on blocks, and stopping the run.
Roberts spent the 2025 season with current Steelers defensive coordinator Patrick Graham on the Las Vegas Raiders, where he earned 90 tackles and six tackles for a loss in 16 starts. The reunion with Graham appeared to be a sign that the veteran was going to stick around for the 2026 season.
However, this wasn't the case.
Not only did the Steelers release Roberts, but hours later, the team parted ways with fellow veteran linebacker Malik Harrison. When Roberts signed, he was expected to be Harrison's replacement. But nobody expected both to miss out on the Steelers' initial 53-man roster.
Now Roberts' stunning release could point to something bigger coming for Pittsburgh.
The Pittsburgh Steelers could pursue an upgrade at linebacker after Elandon Roberts' release
Back when we assumed Roberts was making the team, the linebacker room made sense in our minds. The Steelers were going to start Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson, while Roberts could rotate in for early-down work and obvious run plays with fellow vet Cole Holcomb. Meanwhile, Carson Bruener could stick around for special teams purposes.
But now, the Steelers have just four linebackers on their roster. And with both Roberts and Harrison gone, they no longer have a physical downhill enforcer. This might be a sign that another move could be on the way.
Less than two hours before the NFL roster deadline, the Los Angeles Chargers surprisingly released 2024 third-round pick Junior Colson. The big linebacker could be just what this team is looking for to round out their LB depth.
At 6'3'' and 247 pounds, Colson shares a similar size profile to Malik Harrison. Meanwhile, Colson logged an impressive 218 special teams snaps in 2024 before missing all of last season with a shoulder injury.
Colston's absence during the 2025 season is a concern, but the Steelers could use a player of his profile and skill set—especially now that both Roberts and Harrison are gone.
The Steelers may not be done adding linebacker depth
With a new defensive coordinator, it's possible that the Pittsburgh Steelers could be prioritizing their positional needs differently this year. Historically, the Steelers have always kept five off-ball linebackers; right now, they have just four.
But I would expect them to add to the position soon.
This could mean making a waiver claim for a player like Colson—who the Steelers' front office was very familiar with entering the 2024 NFL Draft. Colson, the 69th overall selection by the Chargers in 2024, went just ahead of Pittsburgh's two third-round picks—one of which GM Omar Khan turned into linebacker Payton Wilson. And fans wondered whether Colson may have been an option if he was still on the board.
If not Colson, the Steelers could look to bring in another veteran presence, or even circle back to a player like Roberts for the practice squad or even the roster (if someone from the initial 53-man roster soon ends up on IR).
Either way, Pittsburgh's shocking decision to release Elandon Roberts may point to another move in the making at linebacker for the Steelers.
Add us as a preferred source on Google