The Steelers have left virtually no position on their roster untouched this offseason, and the inside linebacker group is no exception. Having experienced yet another one-and-done postseason, they are trying just about anything to achieve more favorable results. With bold swings via trade, shrewd free-agent signings, and a clear draft priority, the 2026 Steelers are taking shape.
With training camp fast approaching, it’s time to go over the Steelers’ roster to see where we are and how we got here in the first place. This has been an offseason arguably unlike any other for the organization, featuring major turnover. They’ve gone through so much change that it feels necessary at this time to take stock before we move on.
Position: Inside Linebacker
Total Positional Figure: 6
Additions: 1
Deletions: 0
Players Retained:
Patrick Queen: Going into the final year of a three-year free agent contract, Queen has not exactly become the Steelers’ next great inside linebacker. He hasn’t been bad, at all, at least not outside of certain moments. But it’s not clear that this arrangement is what is best for either party. Unless new DC Patrick Graham can better channel his talents, the Steelers may be looking for a new starter next year.
Payton Wilson: It feels like this is the year Wilson has to show the Steelers he is their inside linebacker of the future. Going into his third season, he would be due for an extension in 2027. In other words, he has to prove that he is worth that now.
Cole Holcomb: After recovering from a career-threatening knee injury, Holcomb is back in the picture—but in the background. Between him and Malik Harrison, it will be notable to see who the Steelers view as the next inside linebacker up. It’s possible that it could be situation-specific, but Holcomb would be the better generalist, in theory.
Malik Harrison: Harrison’s two-year, $10 million contract filled Steelers fans with rage over an inside linebacker who would primarily play special teams. And he’s pocketing $4,750,000 this year, by the way, in base salary unless the Steelers part ways with him. He is a good special teamer, but will he be more this year? They used him as a run defender last season, but, frankly, they’ve had better—and very recently. Like, Elandon Roberts in 2024 recently.
Carson Bruener: Adding to the mix is that Bruener arguably became the Steelers’ premier special teamer last year as a rookie. Of course, he has to prove that he can repeat that performance. At the same time, he’ll be looking to show he can graduate to defensive work, too.
Players Added:
Jacoby Windmon: Whether he plays inside linebacker or outside for the Steelers is unclear, but Windmon is back. He has spent time, either in the offseason or on the practice squad, with the team for the past two seasons. He has played inside and outside here, but the Steelers recently released an inside linebacker.
Players Lost: N/A
Notes and Camp Outlook:
The Steelers signed inside linebacker Daylan Carnell as a rookie college free agent after the draft but recently released him. Other than the recent Windmon addition, this is the same group they had last year. It’s a new coaching staff, but the one defensive coach they retained was inside linebackers coach Scott McCurley, who previously worked under new HC Mike McCarthy.
This is actually a big year for the Steelers’ inside linebacker group, with a lot to prove. Right now, many seem to feel Patrick Queen will be one-and-done on his contract. The only player who has a chance of stepping up and becoming a part of the future is Payton Wilson. He’s going into his third season, and he certainly has talent, but he has yet to put it all together.