Steelers linebackers may face their biggest challenges this year
It’s never easy being a Pittsburgh Steelers Linebacker, but this season? It’s shaping up to be a straight-up baptism by fire. With a new-look defense, some familiar injury bug whispers, and an AFC North that seems like it received a collective upgrade injection overnight.
Without a major answer at the most important position on the field – the quarterback – Pittsburgh’s linebackers might be staring down one of the more demanding years in recent memory as the team relies on defense over offense to win games.
And let’s be honest—Steelers fans don’t gently evaluate their linebackers. This is the legacy of Jack Lambert and James Harrison. There’s no room for “solid” or “okay.” You’re either punishing quarterbacks, or people are calling talk shows and asking if you’ve forgotten how to tackle.
According to BetUS, expectations surrounding the Steelers’ defense are somewhat muted heading into the year, likely due to last season’s inconsistencies and the fact that the Steelers’ starting lineup still feels like it’s held together with duct tape and a few hopeful draft picks.
Meet the Linebackers
The projected Steelers starting linebacker group features a blend of experience and upside. Patrick Queen, who was imported from Baltimore last offseason, adds range and versatility. He was the key piece to free agency a year ago and needs to anchor the defense as its quarterback.
The team appears settled to roll with last year’s third-round draft pick, Payton Wilson, alongside Queen, after allowing Elandon Roberts to sign elsewhere this offseason. Wilson played 45% of the defensive snaps as a rookie and is backed up by former starter Cole Holcomb, who missed all of the 2024 season.
If healthy, Holcomb was ascending to stardom in 2023 before a season-ending injury. He, too, is a former captain and play caller, giving the Steelers some outstanding options at inside linebacker.
On the edge, of course, there’s T.J. Watt. He’s not just the face of the defense—he is the defense. Watt’s ability to destroy game plans with sacks, strips, or chaos off the edge is unmatched. Watt is a former Defensive Player of the Year, a tone-setter, and a generational talent who commands double teams and respect.
Alex Highsmith holds down the other edge with quiet consistency. Third-year pro Nick Herbig rotates with them, offering a spark of pass rushing prowess. Between Highsmith and Watt, the outside duo is elite. The real question is whether the inside can rise to their level.
Looking For Answers
Since Ryan Shazier’s career-ending injury, no one has filled the leadership void in the middle of the field. The Steelers have sought several replacements, including free agents and draft picks.
However, this season feels like it’s calling for someone to finally step forward as the guy — someone who’s more than stats, more than hype. Someone who can hold the defense together.
Will it be Queen? Holcomb? A new name altogether? That answer could define the entire season.
The run defense had its ups and downs last season. In 2025, with power backs like Derrick Henry on the schedule twice, tackling needs to be perfect. The Steelers’ running backs will provide a good test in camp, but the linebackers have to prove they can handle real-time punishment and not wear down by halftime.
Covering the middle of the field has always been a tall task for Pittsburgh’s inside linebackers too. Queen, Holcomb, and Wilson were all brought aboard for that reason. If the inside linebacker unit can’t get on the same page early, especially in coverage and pre-snap reads, then opposing offenses will feast on the middle of the field.
Availability Over Ability
It doesn’t matter how good your starting unit is if they’re watching from the sidelines by Week 4. The Steelers need to stay healthy—simple as that. Injuries have derailed this linebacker corps too many times in recent seasons. Depth isn’t terrible, but there’s an apparent drop-off and it’s impossible to plan for.
Two seasons ago Omar Khan brought in Holcomb, Roberts, and Kwon Alexander as free agents. Holcomb and Alexander would fail to finish the season, leaving the team in a lurch with communication and talent in the middle of the field.
It was apparent by the end that the void can’t be filled by off of the street signings, such as Myles Jack or Mykal Walker.
The team also needs a healthy T.J. Watt. Watt was dinged late last season and wasn’t his apparent self. Despite playing hurt, Watt only registered two sacks in his final five games played, both in the same game (against the Eagles).
Already a franchise sack leader, Watt is chasing records with a motor that never stops. He carries the legacy of past Steelers linebackers on his shoulders—and he’s doing it with dominance. He’s impossible to replace and it’s a must that the team preserves him for a full 17-game schedule.
The Final Word: Identity in Progress
This year’s linebackers group could be the unit that brings the old-school edge of Jack Lambert and James Harrison back to the Steel City. As one of the highest-paid defenses in the NFL, fans are looking up to this squad to perform at a legendary level.
The legacy and talent are there. It’s time to determine whether this group can live up to them.
