Insiders have long speculated about which players will survive the final cutdown as teams set their 53-man rosters in the final stages of the preseason. Holcomb, who joined the Steelers on a two-year contract worth $5 million this offseason, sits in a position where a late- or mid-preseason restructure could determine his fate. According to industry projections, Holcomb could be among the players shed if the club has to make tough choices to balance depth across positions.
The quarterback depth chart is a focal point for Pittsburgh. The competition features two contenders who could serve as the No. 3 behind the established duo of Aaron Rodgers and Mason Rudolph. Drew Allar, the highly touted rookie, and Will Howard are both in the mix and are expected to receive significant reps in the preseason finale against the Buffalo Bills. The organization appears increasingly inclined to keep both Allar and Howard on the roster, which would necessitate trimming elsewhere to preserve the standard quarterback trio plus depth.
From a strategic standpoint, teams typically allocate three quarterbacks to the active roster. If Pittsburgh elects to keep Rodgers, Rudolph, Allar, and Howard, a non-quarterback unit will need to absorb the cuts. The Steelers have already made acquisitions on the defensive side to bolster depth, including the addition of veteran linebacker Elandon Roberts on a one-year deal. This infusion of middle-linebacking experience can influence the decision to move on from a player like Holcomb, particularly when the club already features a robust and versatile linebacker corps.
Holcomb’s NFL journey began when he was drafted by the Washington Commanders in the fifth round of the 2019 draft. He quickly established himself as a dependable contributor in Washington and later became a key piece for the Steelers’ linebacking group. His rookie season included 102 combined tackles, and he reached a career highlight in 2021 with a breakout 142 combined tackles and two interceptions, starting every game that year. However, injuries hampered his trajectory in 2022, limiting him to seven games due to knee issues. Pittsburgh signed Holcomb to a three-year, $18 million contract in the following offseason, but a severe knee injury in the middle of that year sidelined him for the entire 2024 season. He returned in 2025, appearing in 14 games primarily as a substitute.
The current defensive front offers star power and versatility. The unit is headlined by T.J. Watt, a former Defensive Player of the Year, with edge threats in Alex Highsmith and Nick Herbig providing pressure off the edges. At the middle, Patrick Queen joined the lineup to pair with Payton Wilson, creating a formidable combination for inside run defense and pass coverage. Veterans such as Roberts and Jack Sawyer contribute depth, making the linebacker group one of the most competitive on the roster.
Given the depth and talent, a difficult decision could be made to change the make-up of the roster at the linebacker position. The team must weigh the value of keeping multiple linebackers who can contribute on special teams and as situational players against the need to bolster other areas of the roster, especially with the injury concerns surrounding first-round pick Max Iheanachor at offensive line. Additionally, there is speculation that a veteran like Robert Tonyan could emerge as the third tight end, given his familiarity with former or current coaching staff and quarterback relationships. If Tonyan sticks, that could further tilt the roster toward trimming a linebacker to keep offensive-line depth and a high-profile offensive weapon.
The decision-making process also involves evaluating the roster’s balance between offense and defense as the team weighs the path to a competitive season. Quarterbacks aside, the Steelers must ensure the offensive line has adequate depth to protect a quarterback competition that includes a young signal-caller in Allar. On the defensive side, the presence of multiple high-caliber linebackers means that one or more players could unexpectedly be released to preserve cap flexibility or to open roster spots for players who can contribute on special teams and provide needed depth.
In sum, Pittsburgh’s roster decisions this preseason are shaping up to focus on which positions offer the most value relative to the cap and the team’s immediate needs. The linebacker group is exceptionally deep, with established stars and promising young players alike, which heightens the likelihood that Holcomb or another veteran could be trimmed if the club decides to prioritize depth elsewhere. As the preseason games approach, the coaching staff will closely evaluate performance, health, and special-teams contributions to determine the final 53 and how best to position the team for a successful campaign.
Key factors driving potential cuts:
– Quarterback depth: Keeping four quarterbacks may force a cut from another position to maintain the typical three-quarterback standard on the active roster.
– Offensive line depth: An injury-plagued development at the line could push the team to retain more linemen and potentially part with a linebacker.
– Defensive depth: The return of middle-linebacking options and the presence of high-caliber starters provide ample options for personnel moves, making Holcomb a candidate for release if other positions demand resources.
– Special teams value: Roster decisions often hinge on players who can contribute on special teams, which could tip the balance away from a veteran linebacker.
Regardless of the outcome, the Steelers will approach the final roster with a clear view of how this group can contribute to a productive, balanced unit. The aim is to assemble a team capable of competing at a high level across three phases: offense, defense, and special teams, while maintaining flexibility for injuries and in-season adjustments. Fans can expect a thorough evaluation during the remaining preseason games as Pittsburgh finalizes its 53-man squad.
