The Pittsburgh Steelers and the rest of the NFL are gearing up for free agency to begin this week, and that start with the legal tampering period, which will begin at noon ET on Monday. Many teams try to take care of their pending free agents before that time hits, that way the players cannot join another organization. The Steelers were able to strike a new deal with cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. on Monday morning, and the organization was busy to start the week as linebacker Cole Holcomb also received a new deal.
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Steelers General Manager Omar Khan looks on as the team sets up in front of fans to workout at the annual Friday Night Lights training camp practice in Latrobe, PA.
The Steelers got a new deal done with Samuel, and it was reported that a new deal was agreed upon between the franchise and Holcomb shortly after. This is a pleasant surprise, as it seemed like the veteran linebacker would be playing elsewhere after an injury-riddled time with the Steelers over the last three seasons.
The #Steelers are expected to re-sign LB Cole Holcomb to a 2-year, $5M deal, per source. pic.twitter.com/BdXB5gtwGs
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) March 9, 2026
Holcomb initially signed a three-year deal with the Steelers back during the 2023 offseason, and it looked line a good signing throughout the start of the 2023 season. The linebacker was leading the team in tackles, and he also seemed to be taking on a leadership role within the defense. He suffered a gruesome knee injury about halfway through the year, and that caused him to miss the rest of the season, along with the entire 2024 season.
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Linebacker Cole Holcomb being carted off with a season-ending injury during the 2023 campaign.
This was a move by Pittsburgh that probably took a decent amount of fans by surprise. Due to Holcomb's recent injury history and the fact that he missed the entire 2024 season, he was essentially a non-factor on the defensive side of the ball. His knee injury from two years prior had made him lose his spot on the defensive side of the ball, and he was buried in the depth chart when it came to the inside linebacker position. He went from leading the team in tackles in 2023 to playing just over 20 percent of the team's defensive snaps in 2025.
It seemed like Holcomb would be let go in free agency, but he made his mark on special and provides the franchise with experienced depth at linebacker. That is very valuable when paired with his contributions on special teams, which is why he earned the new, two-year deal.
Pittsburgh's top four at inside linebacker are now Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson, Malik Harrison, and Holcomb. That is a pretty good group, and an arguement could certainly be made stating that Holcomb deserves to be on the field a little bit more.
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Cole Holcomb runs to make a tackle during the Steelers' 35-25 loss to the Green Bay Packers in Week 8 of the 2025 NFL season.
Steelers Could Create Huge Opportunity For Cole Holcomb
Holcomb lost his spot in the starting lineup due to the knee injury from the 2023 season, but the veteran linebacker could find a way to get back on the field more in 2026. He is further removed from his injury, which should mean he will be in better shape in 2026. The linebacker room in Pittsburgh also is not quite solidified yet. It would make sense for the franchise to release Harrison, and there is an argument to be had about Queen being released as well. He has not lived up to the value of his contract in Pittsburgh, and the organization could save some serious money against the cap by moving on from him.
If the Steelers decide to pull off either of those moves, Holcomb could have a clear path to seeing some more snaps on defense in 2026.
What do you think about Holcomb being under contract in Pittsburgh for two more seasons? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!
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