The wait is finally over and the Pittsburgh Steelers have reportedly made a big addition to their inside linebacking core. Per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, the organization intends to sign former Washington Commanders linebacker, Cole Holcomb once the new league year begins on Wednesday at 4:00. This comes a day after losing Robert Spillane to the Las Vegas Raiders. Myles Jack will now have a new partner in crime up the middle.
The #Steelers agreed to terms with former #Commanders LB Cole Holcomb earlier this week on a three-year deal pending physical, per source.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 15, 2023
Holcomb, 26, has started 48 games for Washington. A big addition to Pittsburgh’s defense. pic.twitter.com/iiquOESnsp
Holcomb has had two seasons that he struggled with injuries which is why this is more of an under the radar signing. He only played seven games in 2022 and 10 back in 2020. He had his best season as a pro in 2021 when he started all 16 games, had 142 total tackles, seven passes defended as well two interceptions and forced fumbles.
He can play all three downs and is very strong against the run. If he is able to stay healthy in 2023 and beyond, this could end up being a very underrated pickup for the Steelers.
Photo Credit: Scott Taetsch / Getty Images
He enters his fifth year and as Pelissero states, will need to pass a physical for the deal to be official as he dealt with a foot injury the majority of 2022. Once again, the team doesn't come up with a sexy signing, but a necessary one. The hope is the franchise was able to get Holcomb at a discounted price due to his recent injury history.
This is a solid depth signing for the team as the only current interior linebackers on the roster are Jack and Mark Robinson. Holcomb is likely a part of the team's future plans due to the length of this contract. This is definitely still a position to look out for during the 2023 NFL Draft, but the Steelers are checking off each box so far during the NFL's legal tampering period.
The franchise has now added a cornerback, offensive lineman, retained both an important safety and defensive lineman along with the newest expected addition in Holcomb. The terms of the deal have yet to be fully released and we will be sure to update the numbers when they are reported out into the open.
Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker, Myles Jack (#51) participates during 2022 training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA. | Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers Are Far From Done Addressing Inside Linebacker Position
Time will tell what the plans are everywhere else on the defense, including at inside linebacker. There will be at least one more on the 53-man roster come September. As of now, three of those spots are filled, but the hope is a star-studded defender is selected in the 2023 NFL Draft and can challenge both Jack and Holcomb at inside linebacker.
Do you like the signing of Holcomb? Let us know in the comments below!
#SteelerNation
