The Pittsburgh Steelers brought in Elandon Roberts ahead of the 2023 season. Having previously spent time playing with the New England Patriots and the Miami Dolphins, Roberts had built an impressive career. As a two-time Super Bowl champion, he brought leadership and experience to Pittsburgh and quickly became a key piece of the defense. In his second season with the team, Roberts has continued to thrive, solidifying himself as a pivotal force in stopping the run. Steeler Nation has embraced his hard-nosed playstyle and consistent contributions.
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Steelers inside linebacker Elandon Roberts (50) waits for the snap during the team's Week 1 game against the San Francisco 49ers.
Despite his strong performances, Roberts’ future in Pittsburgh remains uncertain. He is set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season, and the Steelers will face tough decisions about how to manage their cap space. With a roster full of young talent and pressing needs across multiple positions, retaining Roberts could prove to be a challenging task for the front office.
However, Roberts has made his stance on the matter crystal clear. Speaking on his show aired on 93.7 The Fan, he expressed his desire to remain in Pittsburgh for the rest of his career. The veteran linebacker emphasized his love for the city and the organization, leaving no doubt about where he hopes to continue playing. While the decision ultimately rests with the Steelers, Roberts’ passion for the team could play a role in shaping his future in the Steel City.
"I look forward to retiring a Pittsburgh Steeler," Roberts said. "I don't think I'm leaving Pittsburgh. I think I'm gonna continue to do what I need to do for the team. I look forward to retiring a Pittsburgh Steeler."
Roberts isn’t a player who will demand a massive contract, but he’s someone the Steelers would undoubtedly love to keep. That said, the team faces multiple decisions at linebacker. Cole Holcomb is set to return next season, though his long-term future with the team remains uncertain. Meanwhile, the addition of rookie Payton Wilson has been a major win for the Steelers. Wilson has made an immediate impact and looks poised to be a cornerstone for Pittsburgh’s defense in the years to come.
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Steelers' Patrick Queen and Elandon Roberts celebrate after a big time play against the Colts in 2024.
In 2024, Patrick Queen and Roberts have formed a dynamic duo at linebacker. The ideal scenario would be for the Steelers and Roberts to strike a deal that works well for both sides, allowing the pair to continue building on their strong chemistry. Queen’s exceptional play elevates the entire unit, and his synergy with Roberts has been key to the defense’s success. However, the Steelers did commit a good chunk of their salary cap to Queen so that could also factor into their decision making.
Steelers' Elandon Roberts And Patrick Queen Are Forming Quite The Duo
Roberts and Queen complement each other perfectly, creating a reliable and effective tandem in the heart of the defense. Retaining Roberts beyond 2024 would help maintain that stability while keeping the cost manageable for the Steelers. With the right deal in place, the Steelers could solidify their linebacker core and ensure continued success at the position.
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Steelers' Elandon Roberts looks on during a practice in Pittsburgh.
Steelers fans will be eager to see how the team values Roberts in free agency and what the market dictates for him. Fortunately for Pittsburgh, Roberts seems more than willing to stay, indicating he likely won’t require a significant offer to remain with the team. His clear happiness in the Steel City is a promising sign, and that’s great news for Steelers fans hoping to see him back in black and gold.
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