With all of the attention surrounding what the Pittsburgh Steelers may do in terms of trading for a wide receiver or cornerback, along comes this nugget. Earlier today in his column, Albert Breer of SI.com suggested the Pittsburgh Steelers could move Linebacker Cole Holcomb before the trade deadline. The most obvious partner here for such a deal would seem to be the Detroit Lions. Last week, the Lions’ talented inside linebacker Jack Campbell was carted off the field with what was clearly a severe injury.
Campbell has movement in his legs and said that his upper body was coming along but it seems obvious that his 2026 season is over. At this point for Campbell, it’s about being able to walk and having a quality of life above playing football. This is where Holcomb comes into play. The veteran LB has been on the field sparingly in 2026 playing just 22 snaps of defensive football. His time as a Special Teams player has been much more significant. He has 134 snaps of action in that department.
Because the Steelers now have Elandon Roberts, Holcomb could be more expendable. The problem here is that Roberts isn’t going to play on Special Teams the way Holcomb has so Mike McCarthy and Special Teams Coach Danny Crossman need to have someone ready and available to replace Holcomb there. That’s often easier said than done because Holcomb is a veteran presence you like to have on Special Teams.
The Lions recently saw Brian Branch return to their secondary while Safety Kerby Joseph is close to returning. Campbell is largely irreplaceable as the team’s defensive captain but Holcomb would present a low cost option. Holcomb is a steady, knowledgeable player who has some limitations but you’re also getting a quality locker room guy too. The Steelers could probably get a day three pick for him in a trade.
