Steelers Now
A former member of the Pittsburgh Steelers believes the team should make one more splash signing.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have greatly improved their roster this offseason via free agency and the 2026 NFL Draft. However, former Steelers offensive lineman Trai Essex believes there’s one position that could use one last addition.
Essex thinks the Steelers should add to their inside linebacker room and specifically with six-time first-team All-Pro and 10-time Pro Bowler Bobby Wagner.
“I think Bobby Wagner could come in right now and add to that inside linebacking crew, especially if [Patrick] Queen and Payton Wilson are struggling to start the year,” Essex said on his Snap Count podcast. “I don’t think Wagner, especially if he wants to play, will be available that long into training camp because I think, without a doubt, there’s gonna be an inside linebacker that gets hurt.”
Wagner, 35, is not the same player he used to be, but he isn’t too far off, either. In 2025, he recorded an impressive 162 tackles, 4.5 sacks, four passes defensed and two interceptions with the Washington Commanders.
That is why Essex is all for a one-year flier on the highly productive vet.
“He’s still been very productive,” Essex continued. “Bobby Wagner is definitely a name that, I think, the Steelers might want to kick the tires on him if we’re not seeing what we want to see from that linebacking crew.”
If that isn’t enticing enough, Wagner also has a connection on the Steelers. For the past two years in Washington, he played for Joe Whitt Jr., who is Pittsburgh’s new assistant head coach.
The Steelers do have several options currently in the room with Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson, Cole Holcomb, Carson Bruener, Malik Harrison and Jamin Davis. But there’s no doubt that Wagner would provide some extra insurance if any don’t live up to expectations.
A second-round pick in the 2012 NFL Draft by the Seattle Seahawks, Wagner has 2,000 tackles, 39.5 sacks, seven forced fumbles, 12 fumble recoveries, 76 passes defensed, 15 interceptions and one touchdown in his professional career.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Former Steeler Urges Team to Sign All-Pro Linebacker
