The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed Linebacker Elandon Roberts to a one-year deal. There are several different ways we can examine this decision, and I will, but the bottom line for me is Roberts should have never been allowed to leave in the first place. His presence on the Steelers’ defense in 2024 was needed and it was impactful. Just ask opposing running backs. Mike Tomlin and company clearly felt that keeping him around in 2025 wasn’t necessary and in my opinion they were wrong.
Why Is He Back?
Since Training Camp started last month, it’s been obvious that the new Mike McCarthy-led regime wasn’t impressed by Malik Harrison. It was Harrison that was brought in to replace Roberts as the defense’s “thumper.” He was supposed to be the guy who stymied the running game of the opposition. The problem with that is that Harrison was always more of a Special Teams’ guy than a true linebacker. That’s reason one why Roberts is back. Reason two has to be that Patrick Graham isn’t quite convinced that Payton Wilson is as stout against the run as he needs him to be. Wilson has had a really good Camp so far and has definitely made strides towards being a three-down linebacker.
What is the Expectation?
Elandon Roberts is not a three-down backer. He’s a two-down guy who is expected to stop the run. Period. There’s no doubt that teams will look to use some play-action on first and/or second down in an effort to expose him in pass coverage. Roberts is not going to be a guy that runs with backs and tight ends in man coverage but he does understand zone principles. That said, Graham will no doubt try to keep him out of situations where he has to cover.
While Roberts has limitations, his experience and leadership is undeniable. This is a guy who Graham is familiar with and has multiple Super Bowl rings. He’s learned from the best too. From Bill Belichick to Brian Flores, you won’t find a player who has been mentored by anyone better over his career.
Roberts endeared himself to Steeler Nation with all of what I mentioned above but we also shouldn’t look at his return as a major “needle mover” if you will. He’s going to be an upgrade over Harrison and will provide the team with a lot of positive aspects but there’s also a reason he was still available two plus weeks into the season. Regardless, his return corrects a mistake the Steelers made by not keeping him around. The defense will be better with him here than not.
