Steelers linebacker targets for 2026 and 2027 seasons

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - DECEMBER 22: Jack Campbell #46 of the Detroit Lions in action against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on December 22, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) | Getty Images The Pittsburgh Steelers addressed multiple positions of need in the NFL Draft, selecting two offensive linemen, a wide receiver, and a quarterback within the first 100 picks. The one position they (surprisingly) didn’t address, though, was inside linebacker.

With Patrick Queen entering the final year of his deal, and Payton Wilson having yet to show the full potential of being a green dot guy, the Steelers are thin at the position in the long-term, but also the short term, as Cole Holcomb is the only proven linebacker behind Queen and Wilson. In our recent mailbag, multiple readers brought up the linebacking corps and if the Steelers had enough going forward. With that in mind, there are several free agent linebackers remaining on the market who Pittsburgh could add for 2026 that we will look at, as well as 2027 options to keep circled for the next year.

Steelers LB options for 2026 Elandon Roberts Bringing Roberts back is a no-brainer for the Steelers. He’s tremendous against the run, and the Steelers are missing a true thumper in their rotation. Putting him on the field with Queen in run situations would help Pittsburgh improve on its 24th ranked rush defense in terms of efficiency.

Matt Milano The former All-Pro has struggled to stay healthy in recent memory, playing just 21 games in the last three seasons combined. That said, he has one of the higher football IQs at the position in the league, and could be a good No. 3 or potential No.