Breaking News: Insider Names One Veteran Steelers Could Trade Away

Insider Names One Veteran Steelers Could Trade Away

PITTSBURGH — The Pittsburgh Steelers are 6-2 and atop the AFC North, but they are not standing pat ahead of the Nov. 10 trade deadline. According to Sports Illustrated NFL insider Albert Breer, the Steelers are actively exploring the receiver market and could move a veteran linebacker to facilitate a deal. Breer identified Cole Holcomb as the player most likely to be dealt. “Then there’s the Steelers, who, again, are sniffing around at receiver, and could deal veteran LB Cole Holcomb,” Breer wrote. The logic is straightforward. Holcomb, in his fourth season with Pittsburgh, signed a two-year, $5 million extension this offseason but has been relegated to a depth role. He has appeared in all eight games but has yet to start, logging just 22 defensive snaps while playing 134 snaps on special teams. Meanwhile, the Steelers’ inside linebacker room is crowded. Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson have locked down the starting jobs, with Wilson leading the team with 69 tackles. Queen ranks second with 60 stops. Elandon Roberts remains on the practice squad, and Carson Bruener provides additional depth. With Holcomb buried on the depth chart, Pittsburgh could flip him for a late-round pick or package him in a larger deal. The urgency stems from a thinning wide receiver corps. Roman Wilson and Michael Pittman Jr. are both on Injured Reserve, leaving DK Metcalf, who has struggled in 2026, rookie Germie Bernard, and Ben Skowronek as the primary options. The Steelers have been linked to Colts wideout Josh Downs and Jaguars receiver Brian Thomas Jr. . Holcomb has been a respected locker-room presence and a resilient story after battling back from a severe knee injury that cost him the entire 2024 season. However, in a results-driven league, his minimal defensive role makes him expendable for a team with playoff aspirations. The Steelers have until 4 p.m. on Nov. 10 to finalize any moves. Whether Holcomb has played his last snap in Pittsburgh remains to be seen, but the insider chatter suggests the veteran linebacker is firmly on the block.