Steelers linebacker Cole Holcomb trade candidate, Digi Mart USA News: The Pittsburgh Steelers are 6-2 through their first eight games of their 2026 season and could be a very active team before the NFL’s November 10 trade deadline. While it might make more sense for the Steelers to add talent rather than sell, the team is reportedly shopping around at least one of its veterans.
Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer named Steelers veteran linebacker Cole Holcomb as a name that could be on the move before Tuesday’s deadline. “Then there’s the Steelers, who, again, are sniffing around at receiver, and could deal veteran LB Cole Holcomb,” Breer wrote.
This season, Holcomb has played a very minimal role for Pittsburgh, recording just one tackle with four assisted. He has been with the Steelers since 2023 and suffered a knee injury that kept him out for the entire 2024 season.
Although Holcomb plays only a backup role, it is hard to imagine a team with a 42-year-old quarterback in position to make a playoff push and win its division for the second year in a row being willing to deal anyone who could potentially help down the line. Pittsburgh’s inside linebacker play has exceeded expectations this season, with Payton Wilson and Patrick Queen both putting forth arguably their best seasons with the team.
Beyond Wilson and Queen, depth at the position is lacking overall.
As the deadline draws near, it would not be shocking to see Pittsburgh make at least one move to improve the team. Despite the strong start, at least one NFL insider suggests the Steelers could sell one of their defensive veterans.
