JUST IN: Potential Cut Candidate: Steelers’ Key Defensive Starter

Due to a significant knee injury, veteran linebacker Cole Holcomb missed all of last season’s games for the Pittsburgh Steelers. On May 19, David Kenyon of Bleacher Report questioned whether Holcomb would ever take a snap for the Steelers again. On a list of the top players “who could still be cut” from their NFL teams this offseason, Kenyon listed the inside linebacker.

The possibility of Cole Holcomb’s release is the most regrettable aspect of his season-ending knee injury, according to Kenyon. “The Steelers added Payton Wilson in the draft and signed high-priced player Patrick Queen this offseason. “Pittsburgh might just decide to take a different approach without Holcomb, who recorded 54 tackles in just eight games the previous year.”

Holcomb was a valuable addition to Pittsburgh’s defense in the first part of the previous campaign. However, the Steelers added even more players at inside linebacker this offseason, as Kenyon pointed out. Pittsburgh signed Patrick Queen to a record-breaking deal in free agency. Payton Wilson of NC State was then chosen by the Steelers in the third round of the NFL Draft. For depth at inside linebacker, the Steelers still have Elandon Roberts and Mark Robinson.

Could Knee Injury, Cap Hit Lead to Steelers Releasing Cole Holcomb?

Holcomb was having a great 2023 season, even if he might not have been on his way to being named an All-Pro or Pro Bowl player. He ranked seventh for Pittsburgh in defensive snaps and tied for the team lead in tackles prior to his injury ruling him out for the whole season.

Furthermore, in terms of cap space, the linebacker was extremely valued. Only a $2.72 million cap hit was imposed on Holcomb in 2023. However, due to the veteran’s backloaded contract, his cap cost increases to $7.64 million for the last two seasons of the agreement. By cutting him this offseason, the Steelers would be able to avoid paying the cap $4.36 million.

Because of his knee, nobody wants to see Holcomb discharged. However, the NFL is a brutal industry. The Steelers could rather have the extra cap room if they don’t think Holcomb can return to being one of the team’s top four inside linebackers in 2024.On November 2, during a game against the Tennessee Titans, Holcomb hurt his knee. With four tackles for loss, two quarterback hits, two pass defenses, and two forced fumbles in eight games, he concluded the season with 54 total tackles.

When Will Holcomb be Able to Return?

Holcomb’s chances of being cut may depend on how soon he can return to the field. However, it’s not yet known with certainty when he’ll be well enough to go back.When they declared Holcomb out for the season, the Steelers merely labeled his condition a knee injury. Although the team has not released any information, ESPN’s Brooke Pryor speculated on May 8 that the injury may affect more than one knee joint.

Pryor stated on The Adam Gold Show, “My understanding is it’s not just a simple ACL tear, and they’re being very vague on what the specific injury is. “Pryor said that it “isn’t quite clear” when Holcomb will return. On May 8, Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette claimed that the veteran linebacker doesn’t seem to be available at the start of the season.

Fittipaldo responded to a fan chat post with, “Based on their moves in free agency and the draft, I am betting they are not counting on much of a contribution from Holcomb this season, if at all. “I don’t think Holcomb will play early in the season if he does. “On March 19, Alex Kozora of Steelers Depot revealed that Holcomb had uploaded an Instagram workout video. However, the exercise was limited to his upper body. The speed at which Holcomb is rehabilitating his lower body could determine if he plays for the Steelers again this season.