Steelers Now
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Elandon Roberts has been named the one free agent the team can’t afford to lose this offseason.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have 24 players set to become free agents this offseason, but Pro Football Focus believes one player should be at the top of their list to re-sign: Linebacker Elandon Roberts.
“Roberts has never been a true three-down linebacker, but he provides excellent value in run support,” PFF’s Dalton Wasserman writes. “Only three other qualified defenders at any position in 2024 recorded a higher PFF run-defense grade than Roberts’ 91.0 mark. Given Patrick Queen’s and Payton Wilson’s struggles in that area this past season, the Steelers would be wise to give the veteran Roberts another short-term deal to do what he does best.”
The nine-year veteran joined the Steelers on a two-year contract in 2023 and he hasn’t disappointed. He has quickly become one of the leaders on defense while recording 147 tackles (92 solo), 3.5 sacks, one forced fumble and two passes defensed over the past two seasons.
Roberts stat line did take a bit of a step back this season, but it wasn’t due to a decline in play. He had to share playing time with free-agent addition Queen and rookie Wilson. As a result, the Steelers were able to use him to do what he does best: Stopping the run.
It remains to be seen what it would take to bring Roberts back, but it shouldn’t cost too much. He will turn 31 this offseason and has already said that he wants to return to finish his career in Pittsburgh.
Roberts doesn’t just bring some much-needed leadership to the defense, though. He also brings championship-caliber play as a two-time Super Bowl champion.
For a team still searching for its first playoff win since the 2016 season, having a player like Roberts is invaluable.
