Lolley: Cole Holcomb May Be The Steelers Most Important Free Agent Signing During 2023 Offseason

The Pittsburgh Steelers had an uncharacteristically busy offseason in 2023 in terms of adding players via free agency as well as the 2023 NFL Draft. General Manager, Omar Khan, has added depth at various positions of need and brought in players who will help the Steelers compete for an AFC North title this upcoming season. While the argument can certainly be made for a number of new additions as the "most important," there is one player in particular who stands out above the rest due to the team's lack success of finding a long-term answer at the position - none other than former Washington Commanders' linebacker, Cole Holcomb. 

Notice how the phrasing surrounding the signing of Holcomb is labeled as "the most important," which is much different compared to "the best." If the conversation is being had about which free agent signing will perform the best in 2023, Isaac Seumalo and Patrick Peterson may prove to have better overall first years in Pittsburgh. With that being said, with the Steelers in desperate need of a playmaker at off-ball linebacker, it may be Holcomb who makes the biggest difference. 

During the most recent edition of "5 for Friday," written by Dave Lolley of Steelers.com, he details how the fifth-year linebacker will be a crucial piece to the puzzle in 2023. 

"[Holcomb] might be the most important of the team's 2023 free agent signings. The Steelers have options outside of cornerback Patrick Peterson, guard Isaac Seumalo and others they have signed. But when it comes to Holcomb, they don't have another like him," said Lolley. 

The Steelers Seem To View Holcomb As A Long-Term Answer

As Lolley points out in the article, Holcomb has been highly effective during his time in the NFL, but has struggled with durability, only playing in seven games during the 2022 campaign. His above-average athleticism combined with physical style of play make him the most-well rounded middle linebacker on the Steelers' roster. Assuming he is fully healthy at the start of this upcoming season, he will wear the green dot and will be tasked with serving as the play-caller for a defense that is absolutely loaded with talent.

At only 26 years old, the former Commanders' linebacker is in the prime of his career and possesses all the necessary intangibles to stick around in Pittsburgh. Along with fellow free agent signing, Elandon Roberts, the duo will be tasked with improving the level of play at inside linebacker for the Steelers' defense. 

Are Holcomb And Roberts An Upgrade Over 2022 Steelers' Inside Linebackers? 

In 2022, the Steelers top three off-ball linebackers were Myles Jack, Devin Bush, and Robert Spillane. While all were serviceable in some fashion, the trio failed to make the necessary "splash plays" that allowed them to be a part of the long-term solution at linebacker. All three will be playing elsewhere in 2023. Needless to say, the Steelers are hoping to see an increased level of production from Holcomb, Roberts, as well as second-year player, Mark Robinson. 

On paper, it seems that the 2023 group will serve as an upgrade over this past season's unit, but only time will tell if this ends up being the case. Perhaps the biggest determining factor will be the durability of Holcomb, who is line to play the most snaps of any player in the positional group this upcoming season. Roberts will bring a much needed veteran presence and Robinson will be a force in stopping the run, but it will be Holcomb who will carry the burden of being an every-down player for the Steelers' defense in 2023. While he may not have been the biggest name the front office brought in this offseason, he truly may be the most impactful. 

Thoughts, Steeler Nation?

Do you think Holcomb is the most important 2023 free agent signing? If not, who? Do you believe the Steelers did enough to improve the inside linebacker group? Be sure to let us know in the comments! 

#SteelerNation