The Pittsburgh Steelers are done playing hard to get with Elandon Roberts. After a surprise cut in late August, the team is bringing him back to the fold. ESPN’s Brooke Pryor reported on Monday that a practice-squad signing is possible.
This move makes sense for a team that has seen enough of his work to know he can help immediately. Roberts is 32 years old and has played under defensive coordinator Patrick Graham before. That connection should help him step in and stop the run right away.
A History of Second Chances
It feels like Roberts’ millionth visit to Pittsburgh. The team signed him twice before, once in March 2023 and again on August 13, 2026, only to release him on August 30. Despite the short stints, he made a big impression on the fanbase during his time there.
Per Behind the Steel Curtain, Roberts was expected to make the 53-man roster when he first signed. Instead, he was a surprise cut that left many wondering what happened. Now, he returns to fix a linebacker corps that has been up and down all season.
His stats tell a clear story. Roberts has 147 tackles, 15 for loss, and 3.5 sacks in just 33 games from 2023 to 2024. This year’s preseason saw him register 10 tackles plus two for loss across merely two contests. He ended two New York Jets possessions by limiting big gains. He is tough and knows the system. The Steelers should stop hesitating and put him to work.
The Patrick Queen Problem
Why bring Roberts back now? The answer lies in the struggles of starter Patrick Queen. Queen has earned a 54.2 overall PFF grade, which ranks 59th among 72 qualifying linebackers through five games.
He also holds a 46.6 coverage grade and has missed six tackles this season. His 66.9 run-defense grade is better, but his overall play has not made him untouchable. Roberts could give general manager Omar Khan a reason to shop Queen if the trade deadline arrives.
Roberts fits the role of an early-down and short-yardage specialist. Payton Wilson gains the ability to chase the ball because he can absorb blocks. This would let Wilson focus on making plays while Roberts handles the dirty work.
Pittsburgh still requires a solution against spread offenses due to Queen’s lingering coverage problems. Roberts earning more work against the run does not mean he should take over passing downs. Those routes would demand attention from Wilson or an additional defensive back regardless. But the run game needs help now.
What Comes Next
The team has a clear path forward. Three game-day elevations are permitted under the standard practice-squad elevation rule. Roberts might remain on the practice squad once Pittsburgh utilizes the third elevation. He would need a 53-man roster spot to play again.
October 18 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, October 25 versus the New Orleans Saints, and November 1 against the Cleveland Browns offer evaluation chances for the Steelers. The trade deadline is Tuesday, November 10, at 4 p.m. ET.
Should Roberts manage an expanded role during that period, the front office must take action. Khan requires a buyer, while Graham must determine who relays defensive calls should Queen depart. Roberts could fill that role easily, having worn the green dot in 2023 and the 2026 preseason. The time for games is over. The Steelers need to sign him, play him, and see if he can fix the problem.
