Steelers Re-Sign Standout Linebacker Ahead of 2026 Free Agency

Cole Holcomb inks two-year, $5 million deal to stay in Pittsburgh

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Pittsburgh Steelers have re-signed linebacker Cole Holcomb to a two-year, $5 million contract ahead of the 2026 NFL free agency period. Holcomb, who signed with the Steelers in 2023 but missed most of the past two seasons due to a knee injury, is expected to play a key role in the team's defense going forward.

Why it matters

Retaining Holcomb provides stability and depth at the linebacker position for the Steelers, who have questions surrounding the future of fellow linebacker Patrick Queen. Holcomb was regarded as one of the league's best tackling linebackers before his injury and could reclaim that form if he can stay healthy.

The details

Holcomb originally signed a three-year deal with the Steelers in March 2023 but suffered a multi-ligament knee injury in his debut season, forcing him to miss the remainder of 2023 and the entire 2024 campaign. He returned in 2025, recording 37 combined tackles in eight games behind Payton Wilson and Patrick Queen. The new two-year contract will keep Holcomb in Pittsburgh through the 2026 season.

  • Holcomb signed with the Steelers in March 2023.
  • Holcomb suffered a knee injury in his debut season with the Steelers in 2023 and missed the rest of that year and the entire 2024 season.
  • Holcomb returned in 2025, recording 37 combined tackles in eight games.
  • Holcomb has now signed a new two-year, $5 million contract with the Steelers ahead of the 2026 free agency period.

The players

Cole Holcomb

A linebacker who signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2023 but missed most of the past two seasons due to a knee injury. He is now re-signed to a two-year, $5 million contract to remain with the team.

Patrick Queen

A linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers who has been regarded as a potential cap casualty, making the re-signing of Holcomb an important move for the team's defense.

Payton Wilson

A linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers who played ahead of Holcomb in 2025 after Holcomb's return from injury.

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What’s next

The Steelers will continue to monitor the status of Patrick Queen and make any necessary roster moves ahead of the 2026 NFL season.

The takeaway

The Steelers' decision to re-sign Cole Holcomb demonstrates their commitment to maintaining a strong defensive unit, even in the face of uncertainty surrounding other key players. Holcomb's return to health could provide a significant boost to the team's linebacking corps in the coming seasons.