Steelers Re-Sign Veteran Linebacker Cole Holcomb

Two-year, $5-million deal keeps key defensive player in Pittsburgh

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The Pittsburgh Steelers have re-signed veteran linebacker Cole Holcomb to a two-year, $5-million contract, bringing back a key piece of their 2025 defense. Holcomb, 29, returned from a knee injury last season to appear in 14 games and record 37 total tackles.

Why it matters

Holcomb's re-signing keeps the Steelers' 2025 starting inside linebacker group intact, providing continuity and experience in the middle of their defense as they look to build on a strong season and make a playoff push.

The details

Holcomb, who missed one-and-a-half seasons due to a knee injury, returned in 2026 to play in 14 games and start 3 for the Steelers. He recorded 37 total tackles on the season. With Holcomb back under contract, Pittsburgh retains its full 2025 inside linebacker rotation of Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson, Malik Harrison, Holcomb, and Carson Bruener.

  • Holcomb re-signed with the Steelers on March 9, 2026.
  • In 2026, Holcomb came back from a knee injury that made him miss one-and-a-half seasons.

The players

Cole Holcomb

A 29-year-old veteran linebacker who has played for the Steelers since 2022.

Patrick Queen

One of the Steelers' starting inside linebackers in 2025.

Payton Wilson

One of the Steelers' starting inside linebackers in 2025.

Malik Harrison

One of the Steelers' starting inside linebackers in 2025.

Carson Bruener

One of the Steelers' inside linebackers in 2025.

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The takeaway

Retaining Holcomb provides the Steelers with continuity and experience at the linebacker position as they look to build on their 2025 season and make a push for the playoffs.