The Pittsburgh Steelers have been trying to figure out their inside linebacker situation for years. The organization traded up into the top 10 of the 2019 NFL Draft to select Devin Bush, and that clearly did not work out as he is currently on the Cleveland Browns. The linebacker group has improved in each of the last two seasons thanks to the organization signing guys like Elandon Roberts, Patrick Queen, and Cole Holcomb, even though Holcomb has been injured since the middle of the 2023 season. The addition of Payton Wilson in the 2024 NFL Draft has paid dividends as well.
The inside linebacker group for Pittsburgh is the best it has been since the team had both Ryan Shazier and Vince Williams, and General Manager Omar Khan has done a great job addressing that position since taking over his current role.
Roberts is one of the more underrated players at linebacker throughout the NFL as he isn't a flashy player, but is one of the best at stopping the run from the his position. Due to stopping the run being his specialty, he has been taken off the field on third downs and in obvious passing situations throughout his career.
The linebacker spoke about being taken off the field in certain situations with his former teammate Jevon Holland on his podcast, Breakin' House Rules.
"Well my mentality is always every down." Roberts said. "You know, I just feel like when you are good at something you know you're put in a box that's saying oh he can only play first and second down or a third down in short yardage. You don't necessarily know what a man can do before you put him in that situation."
Before joining Pittsburgh ahead of the 2023 season, Roberts spent four years with the New England Patriots and three seasons with the Miami Dolphins, which is where he was teammates with Holland.
In both situations, he was primarily on the field in running situations, and fans have seen some of that in Pittsburgh as well. In 2023, it may not have been the case as the linebacker room was pretty injured as the season went along, but it is noticeable in 2024 that Roberts often comes off the field while Wilson takes his spot in passing situations.
Wilson is certainly better than Roberts in coverage, and that was on display when Wilson hauled in a miraculous interception during a victory over the Baltimore Ravens in Week 11. Wilson is just a rookie, but he has played more defensive snaps than Roberts in eight out of the 11 games that Pittsburgh has played in the 2024 season. Roberts spoke more about his role as a leader, and how it feels coming off the field.
"You know, obviously you get annoyed at it." Roberts said. "But at the end of the day as a leader is to whoever is coming in to have them prepared in the best to make sure we're capitalizing off of those situations."
Roberts would obviously like to be on the field for every defensive snap, but every player on a team has to accept their role. The veteran linebacker is a true leader on defense and he has likely been a strong resource for Wilson as the rookie continues to get used to the NFL.
Steelers' Elandon Roberts Is Set To Hit Free Agency After The 2024 Season
Roberts signed a two-year deal with the Steelers ahead of the 2023 season, so he will be a free agent following the 2024 season. Pittsburgh will have the option to re-sign the linebacker, but with Queen and Wilson the organization might decide to let him walk.
Roberts has been great for the Steelers, but he has probably earned himself a bigger contract that Pittsburgh may not be willing to pay. The Steelers also have to consider the future of Holcomb, who is under contract for one more season. He hasn't fully recovered from his knee injury, but he was very effective when healthy.
