The Pittsburgh Steelers spent the offseason re-working their linebacker room, which means the team could cut Cole Holcomb in the coming weeks. A fifth-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, the North Carolina product overcame his relatively underwhelming draft capital to establish himself as a solid starter with the Washington Redskins/Football Team/Commanders. After four strong seasons in the nation’s capital, Holcomb signed a three-year, $18 million contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Unfortunately, a season-ending knee injury limited Holcomb to just eight games. While the linebacker is set to return, he’ll have to compete with big-name acquisitions like Patrick Queen and third-round pick Payton Wilson. Because of this, Bleacher Report listed Cole Holcomb as a potential cut candidate ahead of the 2024 season.
Pittsburgh Steelers Could Cut Cole Holcomb
Some sports claim that players can’t lose their jobs to injury, but the NFL has never made that type of assurance. Cole Holcomb had a decent first season in Pittsburgh, but the team is in a position to cut him if Payton Wilson hits the ground running. Even if he doesn’t, Pittsburgh can save $6 million in cap space by parting ways with him after June 1st. That’s a lot of money to give for your second-best linebacker, especially when he’s coming off a serious injury.
Pittsburgh might cut Cole Holcomb, but that doesn’t mean he won’t find another job. While he is a fairly limited player, he should field some interest if healthy. The former fifth-round pick is at his best blowing up running backs near the line of scrimmage. While run defense isn’t as important as it used to be, these five teams could still use a player like him on the roster.
Possible Landing Spots
Baltimore Ravens
The Ravens and Steelers could effectively swap Patrick Queen for Cole Holcomb if cut. Queen is unquestionably the better player, but Baltimore’s defense could still benefit from adding Holcomb into the mix. Roquan Smith will remain the top linebacker on the depth chart as long as he’s healthy, which will allow Holcomb to play a more limited role suited to his strengths. John Harbaugh knows how to get the best out of his players, so don’t be surprised if the veteran linebacker finishes with another 100-tackle season.
Atlanta Falcons
The Atlanta Falcons have the offensive pieces to be a dangerous team in 2024. However, if they want to make the most of Kirk Cousins’ final years, they’ll need to improve the defense. Cole Holcomb is a fine addition if the Steelers cut him, and he could help slow down the elite rushing attacks of the NFC. Again, pass defense is more important in today’s day and age, but having someone who could shut down Alvin Kamara might go a long way in winning the NFC South.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers lost Devin White to the Philadelphia Eagles, and Lavonte David isn’t getting any younger. Head coach Todd Bowles is an old-school football mind who believes in the power of the run game, and Cole Holcomb should make the cut in this defense. One of the reasons White didn’t work out in Tampa Bay is that he wasn’t consistent enough. While Holcomb isn’t the most exciting player, he can execute his assignment in the defense and plug up running lanes.
Carolina Panthers
Head coach Dave Canales has spoken at length about the value of the run game. While most of his interviews have centered around supporting Bryce Young with reliable runners, it’s safe to assume his defensive philosophy has similar values. A player like Cole Holcomb won’t make Panthers fans forget Luke Keuchly, but the cut candidate should step in and provide a much-needed physical presence at linebacker. While Derrick Brown at defensive tackle and Holcomb at middle linebacker, nobody will be able to run up the middle against this team.
Los Angeles Chargers
Nobody wants to run the football more than Jim Harbaugh. A true throwback coach, Harbaugh’s old defenses with the San Francisco 49ers centered around having two physical linebackers at the heart of the defense. Cole Holcomb is no Patrick Willis or NaVorro Bowman, but the cut candidate could start in Harbaugh’s run-oriented defense. The Chargers had one of the worst run defenses in football last year, and Holcomb could play a part in fixing that.
Main Photo: Denny Simmons – USA Today Sports
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