The Pittsburgh Steelers have reportedly made another free agency signing, picking up inside linebacker Elandon Roberts. The news was announced on Twitter by Cameron Wolfe, the NFL Network reporter.
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Pittsburgh Steelers signed linebacker Elandon Roberts
LB Elandon Roberts tells me he is signing a 2-year deal with the Steelers
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) March 16, 2023
Steelers Add Depth To The Linebackers Room With Roberts Signing
Roberts, an inside linebacker, is the second the Steelers have signed so far during this free agency period. While the details of the deal have not been released yet, he will join Mark Robinson as well as the other new acquisition Cole Holcomb. Holcomb is awaiting a physical to have full clearance.
Roberts was signed by the New England Patriots during the 2016 NFL Draft during the sixth round. He stayed with the Patriots until the 2020 season when he then signed a one-year contract with the Miami Dolphins.
During his time in Miami, he was reunited with head coach Brian Flores. Flores had been his linebackers coach in New England. Miami was happy with his performance despite an injury in December. He played in 13 games during the 2020 season with 11 starts, 61 tackles, one forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.
The Dolphins kept Roberts in 2021 and 2022. During the 2021 season, he was named the starting linebacker. He played in all 17 games and earned 83 tackles, one sack, four passes defended, two forced fumbles, and an interception.
Washington Commanders
The Pittsburgh Steelers sign linebacker Cole Holcomb from The Washington Commanders
In 2022, the Dolphins paid him a one-year deal worth $2,750,000. He had a career-high 107 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and 10 tackles for a loss.
Roberts, who will be 29 in April, now joins the Steelers who are badly in need of depth at the interior linebacker position. Devin Bush is expected to leave the team this offseason as he is a free agent and it seems unlikely the Steelers will keep him. Bush, who was a standout player in college, had an exceptional rookie season in 2019. He was injured during the 2020 season and only played in five games. He was expected to return at the same level he'd been and just wasn't able to. His production dropped off significantly in the last two seasons.
Bush was backed up by Robert Spillane who signed with the Las Vegas Raiders this week.
Abigail Dean/Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers LB Myles Jack participates in OTA's.
What do you think of the signing of Roberts? Do you feel he completes the ILB room? How do you think he will match up against Holcomb (assuming he clears his physical)? What do you think will happen with Mark Robinson? Click to comment below.
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