When the Pittsburgh Steelers signed Cole Holcomb during the 2023 free agency period, fans thought they were getting an answer to their problems at the linebacker position. Holcomb was coming off a season-ending injury with Washington but was a productive player early in his career with impressive athletic traits.
Sadly, a gruesome knee injury in the middle of the 2023 season ended his campaign, and as Holcomb hit the road to recovery we've been left in the dark ever since... until now.
With a $7.64 million cap number looming, many wondered whether Holcomb would be part of the plan in 2025. It turns out he will be. On Thursday, NFL Insider Tom Pelissero reported that the Steelers have revised Holcomb's contract, clearing up $4 million in salary cap space ahead of the 2025 offseason. Pelissero reports that Pittsburgh values his leadership and they intend to play him this year.
Pittsburgh Steelers reach best possible outcome with Cole Holcomb
The moment Cole Holcomb hit the turf is still etched in my mind. During Pittsburgh's Week 9 games against the Tennessee Titans in 2023, Holcomb collided with a Steelers player in friendly fire and went down holding his knee. The replay was hard to watch.
Holcomb's knee injury was instantly deemed serious, and many wondered if there would be nerve damage involved or if he would play football again.
After carrying Holcomb on the Reserve/PUP list all last season, the Steelers will give Holcomb the opportunity to make his triumphant comeback in 2025. Mike Tomlin insisted Homcolmb was nearing football readiness and, had the postseason gone on any longer, he would have been able to play.
Now the Steelers reach the best possible outcome. Not only is Holcomb making a return to football, but he will do so on a revised salary that will save Pittsburgh $4 million in cap space just ahead of free agency.
With an athletic combination of Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson, and Cole Holcomb, the Steelers are sitting pretty at the linebacker position. It remains to be seen whether Pittsburgh will bring free agent Elandon Roberts back on a new deal.
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