Veteran linebacker Cole Holcomb didn’t play a down for the Pittsburgh Steelers after Week 9 last season because of a serious knee injury. Bleacher Report’s David Kenyon wondered on May 19 if Holcomb would ever play another snap for the Steelers.
Kenyon included the inside linebacker on a list of the best players “who could still be cut” from their NFL teams this offseason.
“The most unfortunate part of Cole Holcomb’s season-ending knee injury is that it might lead to his release,” Kenyon wrote. “This offseason, the Steelers signed high-priced Patrick Queen and added Payton Wilson in the draft.
“Pittsburgh may simply move in a new direction away from Holcomb, who posted 54 tackles in eight appearances last season.”
Holcomb was a strong addition in the middle of Pittsburgh’s defense during the first half of last season. But as Kenyon noted, the Steelers made even more adds at inside linebacker this offseason.
In free agency, Pittsburgh signed Patrick Queen to a record-setting contract. Then during the third round of the NFL draft, the Steelers selected NC State’s Payton Wilson.
The Steelers also still have Elandon Roberts and Mark Robinson for inside linebacker depth.
Could Knee Injury, Cap Hit Lead to Steelers Releasing Cole Holcomb?
Holcomb may not have been on his way to All-Pro or Pro Bowl recognition, but he was experiencing a strong start to the 2023 season. Before his injury ruled him out for the season, he was tied for the team lead in tackles and was fifth for Pittsburgh in defensive snaps.
The linebacker was very valuable from a cap perspective as well. Holcomb had just a $2.72 million cap hit during 2023.