Analysts expect the Pittsburgh Steelers to be buyers at the NFL trade deadline this upcoming week. But a lot of analysts have argued in favor of the Steelers selling too.
Pundits have proposed potential trades involving edge rusher Alex Highsmith and quarterback Mason Rudolph. None of them make a lot of sense with the Steelers contending.
But Friday, NFL insider Albert Breer pitched a different player the Steelers could move on from in a seller’s move — backup veteran linebacker Cole Holcomb.
“There’s the Steelers, who, again, are sniffing around at receiver, and could deal veteran LB Cole Holcomb,” wrote Breer.
Holcomb has started 11 games for the Steelers over four seasons. This fall, though, the linebacker has strictly been in a reserve role and played on special teams.
In eight games, Holcomb has eight combined tackles — four solos and four assists.
Holcomb is in his eighth NFL season, fourth with the Steelers. He has started 59 contests and could be a useful addition to a contender if the Steelers decided to shop him.
According to Spotrac, he has earned about $18 million in his professional career.
Could Steelers Trade LB Cole Holcomb at Tuesday’s Deadline?
It’s still a little bit hard to wrap one’s head around the idea of a team with a 42-year-old quarterback selling anything on the current roster. Holcomb is an injury to Patrick Queen or Payton Wilson away from playing a significant role as a starter again.
But the Steelers have linebacker depth, and Holcomb is a veteran on an affordable deal. Pittsburgh could recoup a draft pick for him at the deadline and not lose a lot on defense if the team’s inside linebackers stay healthy.
The veteran is signed through the 2027 campaign. Perhaps that raises his value on the trade market slightly too because he isn’t a rental player.
In addition to Holcomb, the Steelers have second-year linebacker Carson Bruener on the roster. The team really likes what Bruener brings to special teams. Perhaps he could provide depth on defense too to make the veteran expendable.
Pittsburgh also has veteran linebacker Elandon Roberts on its practice squad. The Steelers could trade Holcomb and then sign Roberts to the active roster.
Why the Steelers Will Probably Keep Holcomb
The simplest reason why Pittsburgh won’t deal the veteran linebacker is, again, because the Steelers have a veteran roster aiming to make a playoff run. While Holcomb hasn’t contributed as much as he has in the past this season, that doesn’t mean he couldn’t play a key role going forward.
Injuries happen all the time. That’s why proposed trades involving depth pieces don’t often occur. NFL general managers understand that when winning is the top goal, depth is more important than a future draft pick.
Sure, the Steelers could still have linebacker depth with Roberts instead of Holcomb. But if the team preferred Roberts, it likely would have already made that move.
The Steelers added Roberts to their preseason roster in August. That led pundits to speculate Holcomb was a cut candidate. Yet, Holcomb wasn’t released or traded at the August roster deadline, and the Steelers cut Roberts.
Holcomb’s roster spot in Pittsburgh is likely safe through the 2026 campaign. If the Steelers do anything before Tuesday’s trade deadline, they are likely to add a player, not subtract one.
Steelers May Cut Ties With $18 Million Ex-Starter at NFL Trade Deadline: Insider