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 wasn’t on track for All-Pro or Pro Bowl recognition, but he had a strong start to the 2023 season. Before his season-ending injury, he was tied for the team lead in tackles and ranked fifth in defensive snaps for Pittsburgh.
From a cap perspective, Holcomb was valuable, carrying just a $2.72 million cap hit in 2023.
However, with his backloaded contract, his cap hit increases to $7.64 million for the final two seasons. The Steelers could release him this offseason, saving $4.36 million against the cap.
leased because of his knee. But the NFL is a harsh business.
If the Steelers doubt Holcomb will be able to become one of the team’s top four inside linebackers again during 2024, then Pittsburgh may prefer to have the addition cap space.
Holcomb sustained his knee injury on November 2 against the Tennessee Titans. He finished the season with 54 combined tackles, including 4 tackles for loss, 2 quarterback hits, 2 pass defenses and 2 forced fumbles in eight games.
