The Pittsburgh Steelers have a very talented defense on paper. The roster is impressive based on the names alone, but the group has struggled in recent years. The franchise is hoping to get more out of that side of the ball in 2026 with new leadership on the coaching staff. The franchise has a great collective on the defensive line and in the secondary, but the inside linebacker group is the one area of concern. Patrick Queen is the leader there as he wears the green dot and calls the plays on the defense, but, outside of him, the room has been influx.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers middle linebackers Payton Wilson (41) and Cole Holcomb (55) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
Another inside linebacker on the roster that has become somewhat of a fan favorite since being drafted back in 2024 is Payton Wilson. He was viewed as a steal as the Steelers selected him in the third round while other organizations in the league were worried about potential knee issues.
He hasn't had any serious injury problems over his first two seasons in the league, and he has played great for the Steelers at times. Ahead of the 2025 campaign, it was predicted that he was going to take a major leap, but that never really happened. Fans were hoping it could happen in 2026, but it seems like he will be fighting to start next to Queen on the defense.
Steeler Nation's own Brandon Wallace was in attendance at training camp in Latrobe, and he reported to that Cole Holcomb was actually the inside linebacker starting alongside Queen. Wilson mixed in some while also working with the second defense. Holcomb impressed as he seemed to get some good pressure on Aaron Rodgers.
Back-to-back plays, Holcomb would’ve had a sack. Came off the edge late unblocked.
— B-Wall (@BWall) July 29, 2026
Next play, Rodgers tries to hit Muth down the seam, but it’s just out of reach. Muth got one hand on it, but the pass fell incomplete.
Teams breaking back into position groups for the next…
Holcomb had a promising start to his career with the Washington Commanders, but he did struggle with injuries while with the team. He joined Pittsburgh in 2023, and was leading the unit in tackles before going down with a brutal knee injury that kept him out the rest of the season and the entire 2024 season.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson (41) trains at Saint Vincent College during the 2025 Steelers Training Camp on Sunday July 27, 2025 in Latrobe, PA.
Holcomb is known for being a reliable tackler, and new Head Coach Mike McCarthy should be quite familiar with his game after going against him in the NFC East a good amount. The holes in Wilson's game have come against the run, while he has stood out more as a linebacker that excels in coverage. Holcomb and Wilson could be a good tandem, and they showed that while working together on Wednesday.
Up-and-down day for Drew Allar — and more of the down. The rookie threw a touchdown during seven-on-seven drills, but also had multiple passes tipped or intercepted. One throw was deflected by Cole Holcomb before Payton Wilson came away with the interception. #Steelers
— Christopher Carter (@CarterCritiques) July 29, 2026
The Steelers could have something interesting unfold at inside linebacker. Queen's play has been inconsistent for Pittsburgh, and he is on the final year of his deal. Maybe there is a world where he is a trade candidate at the deadline if Holcomb and Wilson prove they can hold things down, especially if a player like Carson Bruener steps up as well.
Steelers' Wilson Needs To Have A Good Showing During 2026 Season
Wilson is entering his third season in the league, and he needs to show that he can play inside linebacker against the run. He will be eligible for an extension after the season comes to a close, and if he wants to force the franchise to get a new deal done he has to prove that he can be on the field on all three downs, not just in obvious passing situations.
What do you think of the inside linebacker room so far? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!
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