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The Pittsburgh Steelers are turning to a familiar face to add experience and physicality to their defense.
Veteran linebacker Elandon Roberts reached an agreement Wednesday to return to Pittsburgh on a one-year contract, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Roberts previously spent the 2023 and 2024 seasons with the Steelers before playing for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2025.
At 32, Roberts returns to Pittsburgh with a reputation as one of the NFL’s more physical downhill linebackers. He started 16 of 17 games for Las Vegas last season and emerged as a veteran presence on the Raiders’ defense, finishing with 90 tackles and 16 run stuffs.
His familiarity with Pittsburgh could allow him to make an immediate impact.
Roberts enjoyed a productive first season with the Steelers in 2023, recording 101 tackles while bringing toughness to the middle of the defense. His role decreased the following year, but he still contributed 46 tackles, including five for loss, one sack and a forced fumble while playing 44% of Pittsburgh’s defensive snaps.
Now, the Steelers are betting that Roberts still has something left to offer.
Steelers Make Intriguing Veteran Addition Ahead of 2026 Season
The move gives Pittsburgh another experienced option at linebacker and reunites the organization with a player already familiar with the expectations surrounding the Steelers’ defense. Roberts’ ability to attack the line of scrimmage and defend the run could be especially valuable as Pittsburgh continues preparing for the 2026 season.
Roberts entered the NFL as a sixth-round selection by the New England Patriots in the 2016 NFL draft. He spent four seasons in New England before playing three years with the Miami Dolphins and eventually joining Pittsburgh.
Across 10 NFL seasons, Roberts has appeared in 157 games with 121 starts, totaling 694 tackles, 14.5 sacks and five forced fumbles.
For Pittsburgh, this isn’t about adding an unfamiliar veteran and hoping he fits.
The Steelers already know Roberts — and they know exactly the type of physical presence they’re bringing back.
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