The Pittsburgh Steelers did a terrific job of filling their entire roster during the 2026 NFL offseason. In fact, they did so well with one position group, former NFL scout Matt Williamson sees the Steelers still cutting one of their starters from last season — linebacker Malik Harrison.
During an appearance on “Breakfast with Benz” this week, Williamson explained to host Tim Benz why the Steelers should cut the veteran inside linebacker.
“Who knows when and if this happens, [but] I don’t think Harrison will be on the final roster. I think his cap space is worth more than he is,” said Williamson.
“I also think [Cole] Holcomb is a very solid No. 3.
“[Carson] Bruener is going to be a core special teamer, [Tyler] Matakevich, [Miles] Killebrew guy, and he’s probably going to make the team.”
In addition to Harrison, Cole Holcomb and Carson Bruener, the Steelers have Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson at insider linebacker on the offseason roster. Pundits project Queen and Wilson to start.
Last season, Harrison mostly started when he was healthy. He started nine of 11 games, posting 41 combined tackles, including two tackles for loss. Harrison didn’t have any quarterback hits, sacks or pass defenses.
In 2025, the Steelers signed Harrison to a 2-year, $10 million contract. Harrison spent the first five years of his NFL career with the Baltimore Ravens.
LB Malik Harrison Named Steelers Cut Candidate
GettyLinebacker Malik Harrison has one year left on his 2-year, $10 million contract.
With five quality inside linebackers already on the roster, the Steelers have a surplus at the position.
It’s also possible the team adds another inside linebacker in the 2026 NFL Draft. The Steelers possess a league-high 12 draft picks in the upcoming draft.
That’s one of the reasons why pundits have speculated about Queen being on the trade block. Queen has a lot more trade value than Harrison even though they are both starters.
The Dallas Cowboys have been the most popular rumored trade destination for Queen. Some pundits still see the Cowboys acquiring Queen from the Steelers during the 2026 NFL Draft as a possibility.
Parting with the other former Ravens linebacker, though, would significantly weaken the Steelers defense.
Releasing Harrison wouldn’t give the Steelers any extra draft capital. But cutting him would save the team $4.75 million in cap space.
Harrison is versatile, playing on both defense and special teams. But Wilson could be an every down linebacker for the Steelers in 2026. Bruener, a second-year linebacker, may be ready for a bigger role on special teams too.
That would replace Harrison in both facets of his game.
Harrison missed practically the first half of the 2025 campaign. Once he returned, though, he started a career-high nine contests.
In 11 games overall, Harrison played 294 defensive snaps and 158 snaps on special teams.
Over five seasons with the Ravens, Harrison started 34 of 76 games. He registered 174 combined tackles including seven tackles for loss, four quarterback hits and one pass defense in Baltimore.
His best statistical season in Baltimore was his final one with the Ravens. Harrison had 54 combined tackles, including three tackles for loss and two sacks.
Steelers $10 Million Starter Pegged Cut Candidate