Steelers Received a Worrisome injury update which could lead to…

Cole Holcomb, a veteran linebacker, did not play a down for the Pittsburgh Steelers after Week 9 of 2016 season due to a significant knee injury. On May 19, Bleacher Report’s David Kenyon pondered whether Holcomb would ever play another snap for the Steelers. Kenyon ranked the inside linebacker among the greatest 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,” said Kenyon. “This offseason, the Steelers signed high-priced Patrick Queen and added Payton Wilson through 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 valuable addition to Pittsburgh’s defence in the early half of last season. But, as Kenyon pointed out, the Steelers added even more inside linebackers this offseason. In free agency, Pittsburgh signed Patrick Queen to a record-breaking contract. The Steelers then selected Payton Wilson from North Carolina State in the third round of the NFL draft. The Steelers still have Elandon Roberts and Mark Robinson as inside linebacker depth.

Could a knee injury or a cap hit lead to the Steelers releasing Cole Holcomb? Holcomb may not have been on his way to All-Pro or Pro Bowl accolades, but he was off to a great start in 2023. Before his season-ending injury, he was tied for the team lead in tackles and ranked fifth in defensive snaps.

The linebacker was also extremely valuable in terms of salary cap. Holcomb has a $2.72 million cap hit in 2023. However, due to his backloaded contract, the veteran’s cap charge rises to $7.64 million over the last two seasons of the pact. The Steelers could dismiss him in the offseason and save $4.36 million against the cap.

leased due to his knee. However, the National Football League is a brutal business. If the Steelers doubt Holcomb’s ability to be one of the team’s top four inside linebackers again in 2024, Pittsburgh may opt to have the additional cap space. Holcomb’s knee injury occurred on November 2 against the Tennessee Titans. He concluded the season with 54 total tackles, including 4 for loss, 2 quarterback hits, 2 pass defences, and 2 caused fumbles in eight contests.