Re-evaluation: Steelers linebackers remained reliable
Steel City Underground presents a post-2024 NFL season re-evaluation of each positional group on the Pittsburgh Steelers roster in this series, highlighting the standout player or players among each group.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have a storied history when it comes to their defense, especially when it comes to players they’ve fielded at the linebacker position. Whether in their 3-4 base or a hybrid nickel or dime package, the Steelers have relied on guys who can not only pressure the quarterback from the edge, but guys who can stuff the gaps on run plays, get sideline to sideline, and drop well into coverage.
In 2024, there was some ebb and flow to how well the linebackers – inside and outside – played. Overall, this position group remained reliable, if a little predictable at times. We’ll look at the individuals, overall as a group, to re-evaluate how the Steelers fared and what may be ahead for the team.
2024 Linebackers: T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Patrick Queen, Elandon Roberts, Payton Wilson, Nick Herbig, Preston Smith, Jeremiah Moon, Mark Robinson, Tyler Matakevich, Cole Holcomb
On the outside
The duo of T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith continued to be a great pairing in 2024 especially with the addition of Nick Herbig to the mix. Last season wasn’t a record-breaking year for the outside linebackers, and as Highsmith dealt with missing six games due to injuries, Watt saw his sack total drop off. That led to numerous fans during the recent free agency period suggesting the Steelers use Watt as trade material.
Before jumping the broom, ushering in a new beginning by writing Watt off, it’s important to look at what number 90 did in 2024. Watt wasn’t voted team MVP for a franchise-record fifth season for being a slacker. Watt recorded 11.5 sacks, created a league-leading six forced fumbles, added 61 tackles (19 for a loss), 27 quarterback hits and four pass defenses. Watt was a finalist for NFL Defensive Player of the Year – a title he has earned in the past – and was second-team All-Pro. Without Highsmith, Watt drew most of the opposing offense’s chips and double-teams throughout the season.
To get rid of arguably the biggest game-altering player from their defense – Watt – just to trade for a free agent on the market would have been disastrous to a Steelers team that is trying to actively strengthen their defensive backfield and line.
Herbig, in his second season, made five starts in place of Highsmith and shows great promise moving forward. With Watt under near-constant pressure, Herbig was able to make 22 tackles (5 for a loss), 11 quarterback hits, and 5.5 sacks. Additionally, Herbig forced four fumbles and recovered two. And, although Highsmith missed time, he still recorded 45 tackles (9 for a loss), 13 quarterback hits, and 6.0 sacks along with one forced fumble.
Related content:
- Re-evaluation: Steelers relied heavily on running backs
- Re-evaluation: Steelers defensive backs were a mixed bag in 2024
- Re-evaluation: One Steeler stood out on defensive line
On the inside
The free agent addition of Patrick Queen made a bigger impact than many would have imagined headed into the 2024 season. The former Ravens star shrugged off any AFC North rivalry he may have had when donning the black and gold and went to work, playing 1,090 snaps on defense. Queen led all Steelers defenders with 129 tackles (6 for a loss). He added five quarterback hits, 1.0 sacks, seven pass defenses, two forced fumbles and one recovery. Queen found a home in the middle of the field and was often seen aiding in run defense as well.
2024 NFL Draft steal rookie Payton Wilson and veteran Elandon Roberts split the most time alongside Queen with nearly equal defensive snaps. Payton played with a tempo that had been missing the past couple of seasons and finished the year with 78 tackles (3 for a loss), two quarterback hits, an interception, one forced fumble and two recoveries, including one for a touchdown. Roberts, more aggressive in run-stuffing, logged 46 tackles (5 for a loss), 1.0 sacks, four quarterback hits, and one forced fumble.
Cole Holcomb, who looks to be on track to be a force among interior linebackers in 2025, missed the 2024 season after suffering a season-ending injury. He is a guy to watch once the Steelers start things back up.
Mark Robinson and Tyler Matakevich were given roles on special teams, with Robinson seeing a minimum of 300 snaps to Matakevich’s 195 snaps (due to a hamstring injury that landed him on I/R early before returning in the latter part of the season). Robinson recorded his first career sack against the Baltimore Ravens.
Recent moves
Roberts has moved on from the Steelers and garnered a deal with the Las Vegas Raiders during this spring’s free agency period. Smith was released by the team. Matakevich remains an unrestricted free agent. Moon is an ERFA.
The Steelers did bring in linebacker Malik Harrison, a former draft selection of the Baltimore Ravens. Harrison, drafted in the third round in 2020, had a career-best season in 2024; he posted 54 tackles (3 for a loss) and 2.0 sacks. Best utilized in the run game, Harrison’s position flexibility (able to move outside) was likely a deciding factor in his addition and Pittsburgh moving on from Roberts.
