Patrick Graham Elandon Roberts
Patrick Graham Elandon Roberts
When the Pittsburgh Steelers hired Patrick Graham as their new defensive coordinator, it was easy to connect the dots to one free agent who made sense for the franchise to sign.
It might have taken longer than expected, but the Steelers ultimately added veteran inside linebacker Elandon Roberts last week. Roberts reunited not only with Graham — whom he spent the 2025 season with in Las Vegas — but with the Steelers, the team he played for in 2023 and 2024.
For Graham, who spoke to reporters Sunday following a padded practice at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, he’s glad to have the experienced piece back in the middle of this defense.
“The thing about E-Rob [Elandon Roberts]…he’s a pleasure to be around. I really enjoy being around him. He knows how to talk football,” Graham said, according to video via Steelers.com. “He’s brought up the right way in terms of how he sees the game, especially that linebacker position in terms of being an extension of the coordinator, usually, out there on the field. So that’s one. And then the physicality – whenever you get a chance to get pads on, the physicality, he brings that every day, you know?
“He probably would run through us in the meeting room if he could, but I’m too old for that. The physicality, but really smart football player, knows a lot of football, and the guys respect him.”
Last season with the Raiders, Roberts played 654 snaps. According to Pro Football Focus, he graded out at just a 57.2 overall. He finished with 90 tackles and started 16 of the 17 games he played in.
Reuniting with Graham in Pittsburgh gives him a chance to jump on a moving train in a familiar scheme, all while being back in a familiar place.
Right away on Sunday, his physical presence showed up. Roberts had a big hit on running back Travis Homer in a team session, as noted by Steelers Depot’s Alex Kozora.
Elandon Roberts with a hard thud on RB Travis Homer on check down catch. Welcome back, E-Rob. #Steelers
— Alex Kozora (@Alex_Kozora) August 16, 2026
The physicality is a huge part of why the Steelers re-signed Roberts. Add in his standing within the linebacker room and his strong relationship with Graham and fellow inside linebacker Patrick Queen, and it makes sense that the Steelers made the move to re-sign him.
He’ll be an extra voice on the field as the Steelers prepare for the 2026 season. He knows Graham’s scheme inside and out and can help iron out any issues Pittsburgh might be having. Plus, he’ll give the Steelers’ defense a major physical edge, making them even harder to play against.