Steelers insider suspects team isn't likely expecting much from Cole Holcomb in 2024

The Pittsburgh Steelers and General Manager Omar Khan inked the largest free agent contract in franchise history during the 2024 offseason. The front office was able to lure inside linebacker Patrick Queen away from the Baltimore Ravens on a three-year, $41 million contract. The move was quite stunning, but has fans ecstatic about the potential of consistency returning to the position. That hasn't been the case since Ryan Shazier's devastating career-ending injury. To add to the room, the organization selected Payton Wilson out of North Carolina State in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, furthering the solidification of the unit.

The unit also includes a healthy Elandon Roberts and 2022 seventh-round pick, Mark Robinson. One individual that is being forgotten about is Cole Holcomb, who signed a three-year deal in free agency back in 2023. Even without Holcomb, there are four players that can step in and play the position. While it feels like Robinson may be the odd man out, it's possible that isn't the case just yet.

Team insider for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Ray Fittipaldo, held a fan chat on Wednesday and was asked about how Holcomb has been progressing from injury. There hasn't been much of a significant update from the team, but Fittipaldo believes if one connects the dots, it's bad news for anyone hoping Holcomb will be good to go and recovered from his 2023 ACL tear.

"No, the Steelers have not provided any kind of a timeline for Holcomb's return. Based on their moves in free agency and the draft, I am betting they are not counting on much of a contribution from Holcomb this season, if at all. They signed Patrick Queen to the richest free agent deal in franchise history and selected Payton Wilson in the third round of the draft. Plus, Elandon Roberts is back for another season," Fittipaldo wrote.

The Steelers were aggressive when it came to the quarterback room and the offensive line in the offseason, but the linebacker position can't go unnoticed. There could be a legitimate possibility that Holcomb is on the sidelines for the bulk of the 2024 campaign.

Fittipaldo continued with his analysis and feels like there's a chance the linebacker will be playing in 2024, but if he does, it's not going to be until months into the season after he is 100% without any limitations.

"If Holcomb does play this season, I don't think it will be early in the season."

It's nice to have depth at the position, but the Steelers thought they did last year until injuries hit the group hard. Holcomb's knee ailment was at the top of the problems list, but Kwon Alexander tearing his Achilles didn't help either. A domino effect caused the team to lure Myles Jack out of retirement. Pittsburgh will hope to not have the same bad luck in 2024, but Holcomb's recovery being kept in the know can be looked at as concerning.

Holcomb is under contract through 2025, which makes 2024 a crucial year for him. If he doesn't play much and Queen, Roberts and Wilson all succeed, the team may not have a true reason to bring him back for the final year of his deal. The injury couldn't have come at a worse possible time for the linebacker.

Steelers' Signing Of Queen Makes Loss Of Holcomb Much Less Impactful

There is no doubt that Holcomb is a reliable linebacker. His status being up in the air would be causing serious headaches for fans and the coaching staff alike. Luckily, Queen is a young defender with the ability to become a top linebacker in the NFL. Roberts is no slouch either and with Wilson's selection in the draft, the trio certainly gives Holcomb time to make a fully recovery.

Are you surprised Holcomb might not play much at all in 2024?