After a rough preseason, the Pittsburgh Steelers could trade linebacker Cole Holcomb before the 2025 regular season starts. According to a report, one source predicted the Steelers would trade Holcomb ahead of the roster cut deadline, but it’s not too late to make it happen. Since coming off his injury after not playing a single down for the entire 2024 season, Holcomb doesn’t look the same, and maybe the Steelers could receive a late-round draft pick if they want to move on from him. The Steelers were able to rework his contract this offseason, and entering age 29, it would probably be hard for the team to extend him once he’s eligible for a new deal.
Selected in the 2019 NFL Draft, the former North Carolina product was hoping to have a resurgence this preseason, but other talent has been outperforming him. As they gave TJ Watt a monster extension and signed linebacker Malik Harrison for depth, it’s hard to imagine that there is a future for Holcomb beyond the 2025 campaign. Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson could get the starting role this season, and if that happens, then it means fewer snaps for Holcomb, which is something he must avoid if he wants a future in Pittsburgh. If the Steelers feel comfortable with Wilson, Queen, Harrison and Mark Robinson, then they should put him on the trade block, and these four teams could pursue Holcomb.
Report: Steelers Predicted to Trade Former Commander Cole Holcomb – 4 Suitors Emerge
Best Fits
Washington Commanders
Despite signing Von Miller this offseason, the Washington Commanders could soon need to replace at least two of their linebackers after this 2025 regular season. No one should expect Miller and Bobby Wagner to play more than two seasons in their veteran careers. This would leave it for Dominique Hampton to fill in a lot of shoes and a dominant Frankie Luvu. However, they should address the position now before the season starts.
Holcomb has been a part of this defense before, and even though it wasn’t as flashy, he could rewrite his second tenure.
Dallas Cowboys
Meanwhile, the Dallas Cowboys took a huge hit to their defense after trading away Micah Parsons. There should be light at the end of the tunnel, and even if they’re not using any of their first-round picks on Holcomb, they could trade away a later draft pick. Between Kenneth Murray Jr. and Jack Sanborn, the Cowboys have some unproven talent here, so why not a trade? Dallas doesn’t really have anything to lose anymore, as the team could be tanking.
New Orleans Saints
However, the New Orleans Saints are in dire need of linebacker depth. Holcomb might be entering a stage where he no longer needs to be a starter anymore. With Willie Gay signing with the Dolphins, someone needs to fill the hole behind Carl Granderson. Jaylan Ford and Danny Stutsman will be slowly developing, and even though the Saints won’t be contenders, they should still build a solid defense that gives Spencer Rattler plenty of time on the field.
Carolina Panthers
The Carolina Panthers let go of two linebackers this offseason, Jadeveon Clowney and Josey Jewell. They haven’t done a ton of changes other than getting defensive linemen between Tershawn Wharton and Bobby Brown. While they provide support for Derrick Brown’s return, they must figure out how to upgrade the linebacker position that already contains free agent signee Christian Rozeboom.
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