Steelers To Host LB Elandon Roberts

Roberts played in Pittsburgh during the 2023 and ’24 seasons, operating as a defensive regular during that time. After a single campaign in Vegas, he followed defensive coordinator Patrick Graham by rejoining the Steelers. That seemed to set up a third year in Pittsburgh, but Roberts was among the veterans who were released during final roster cuts.

At the time, the possibility of team and player reuniting was raised. To little surprise, then, ESPN’s Brooke Pryor names Roberts as a practice squad candidate depending on how today’s visit goes. Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson have operated as full-time starters through the first five games of the season.

Roberts could at least offer veteran depth at the second level of Pittsburgh’s defense. A lengthy acclimation period would also not be necessary in the event of a signing, given the 32-year-old’s familiarity with Graham’s defense. Roberts has totaled 121 starts over the course of his career, one which began with seven years split between New England and Miami. He has recorded no fewer than 90 tackles in three of the past four seasons.

Repeating that feat in 2026 will of course be unlikely with the former sixth-rounder having spent the first five weeks of the season as a free agent. Roberts has not been connected to interest from any other teams since he was cut. A return to Pittsburgh could be coming in the near future, however.