4 linebackers the Steelers must sign after Cole Holcomb's horrible injury

Steelers could add Cory Littleton

Far and away, this is my favorite option for the Steelers to land to fill out their linebacker room as of this writing. Cory Littleton, at one point in time, was seen as an up-and-coming linebacker in the league. He was a second-team All-Pro and Pro Bowler in 2018, his first season as a starter, and has been an every-down starter for multiple seasons.

Littleton has some Alexander vibes as a player. He can do a little bit of everything on defense. He is a capable run defender, can hold his own in coverage, and can rush the quarterback. This made him an upstart player early on, but he has regressed as he has gotten older. Not the elite player he was early in his career, Littleton can still be counted on for some defensive snaps.

He filled an Alexander-like role with the Panthers last season before signing with Houston this year. He was just cut and is now on the Saints practice squad. Considering his experience and ability to play all three downs, he has to be a top name to consider for the Steelers defense.

Even better news, Littleton has been a core special teams player in addition to his role as a defender. It doesn’t matter if he is starting on defense or being used as a backup, Littleton has consistently been on coverage units. Add that in with his defensive ability and you have a great fit for a defense that will need some linebacker help.

It was an unfortunate injury for Holcomb against the Titans. From the grueling nature of the leg injury to the impact it has on the team, the Steelers will need to find some type of a replacement. While the in-house options will get the first crack, some free agents should also be considered.