The Pittsburgh Steelers aren’t done adding at linebacker. The team is reportedly close to signing LB Elandon Roberts, according to NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe.
Roberts, who turns 29 next month, has appeared in 107 career games with the New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins, making 76 starts. He has 457 career tackles with 11 sacks. Last season, he was utilized more as a pass rusher, picking up 4.5 sacks for the Dolphins while playing a career-high 680 defensive snaps. He also continued to see work on special teams.
Roberts was a sixth-round pick of the 2016 NFL Draft of the Patriots. Pittsburgh showed interest in him pre-draft and years later, are finally adding him to the roster.
Throughout his career, Roberts has largely been used as a linebacker but has also been used on offense as a fullback. In 2019, he logged nearly 60 offensive snaps with the Patriots and caught a 38-yard touchdown against the Dolphins.
He is the team’s second free-agent linebacker addition in as many days, joining Cole Holcomb, who reportedly agreed to a three-year deal with the team yesterday, pending a physical. He’ll join a room of Myles Jack, Mark Robinson, Tae Crowder, Chapelle Russell, and Holcomb. It’s a sign the team won’t spend a high pick on an inside linebacker and instead again try to utilize the free agent market to fill the position. The room will look much different in 2023. Robert Spillane signed with Las Vegas, Devin Bush isn’t expected to return, and Marcus Allen is currently a free agent who doesn’t look likely to re-sign.
You can check out our 2016 scouting report on Roberts below.
Here’s a collection of notable plays Roberts has. He’s regarded as a physical, downhill hitter with the athleticism to quickly close on the runner.
