"Smart Move": Steelers Linked To Big Reunion With Former Fan Favorite

The Pittsburgh Steelers have just wrapped up the 2026 NFL Draft, where they took a step back from drafting a ton of defensive players. The front office waited until the third round to add a player to the unit. They then added two more in the sixth and seventh rounds. The organization did add a few key players in the beginning part of free agency, however. But a position group that has remained relatively untouched is the middle linebackers, aside from re-signing Cole Holcomb. This is a group that many thought would benefit from adding a young talent somewhere in the mid-rounds of the draft. 

In 2025, the Steelers' linebackers struggled at times. Pittsburgh's highest-paid middle linebacker, Patrick Queen, has had some issues acclimating to his role as a green dot communicator. His job is to make sure the secondary and defensive line are set up properly. He serves as the "quarterback of the defense" and has the ability to hear play calls from coaches. This was something he didn't do when he was playing with the Baltimore Ravens. The other main linebacker is Payton Wilson, who has played two seasons so far. He has some room to improve as well, especially against the run. Wilson experienced some harsh criticism in the 2026 offseason. 

Neither of these linebackers are known for their ability to be huge run-stopping thumpers. That's an area that could remain an issue based on the current construction of the room. With the newly hired defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, there is a good chance for a Steelers and Graham player reunion. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Steelers beat writer Christopher Carter wrote about this in his Steelers chat, where he responds to readers' questions. 

"Elandon Roberts was a good veteran to have on the roster when he was in Pittsburgh, and he just got done playing for Patrick Graham. Think it would be a smart move to bring him back, even at 32 years old," Carter wrote.

Roberts played two seasons in the Steel City, where he proved to be a solid addition to the defense. In 2023, Roberts registered 10 tackles for loss, which was a huge boost in stopping the opposition's run game. Roberts' listed 5'11", 235-pound frame gives him a low center of gravity and allows him to make some big hits. He explodes at the point of attack and has great awareness to recognize plays as they're happening, leading to TFLs and big plays.

Roberts' best season in Pittsburgh, 2023, saw him rack up 101 combined tackles and two and a half sacks. In 2025, he didn't let his foot off the gas; in Graham's defense, he played all 17 games. He had 90 combined tackles and six tackles for loss. At 32 years old and coming off a season where he proved he could still be productive, he could be a great option for the Steelers defense. He could reunite with his former defensive coordinator and his former team. The defense needs a run-stopping middle linebacker, and Roberts would be a great addition. 

He remains a free agent, and the Steelers still have cap space to sign some veterans before the regular season. Roberts may be a candidate to shore up a defense that struggled mightily against the run in 2025. His services could help that aspect of the defense tremendously

The Steelers' Linebacker Room Needs To Step Up In 2026

After a disappointing 2025, the Pittsburgh linebackers will need to earn their keep in 2026. The group was definitely a weak point, especially with communication issues. Queen's occasional coverage issues and Wilson's weak run-stopping abilities were clear hindrances on the defense as a whole. The two will need to improve for the defense to get back to being a huge strength like it had been the last few seasons. 

This season will tell a lot about the position group, but the addition of Roberts would really benefit the team. It could take the weight off the shoulders of the existing linebackers. But no matter what, development and improvement are needed. 

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