Pittsburgh Steelers releases veteran linebacker Elandon Roberts

The Pittsburgh Steelers announced the release of veteran linebacker Elandon Roberts just a few weeks after signing him to bolster the roster. The decision puts the player back on the free‑agent market before the final roster‑cut deadline. Roberts had recently returned to the team after previous stints during the 2023 and 2024 seasons.

Elandon Roberts' journey with the Pittsburgh Steelers

Roberts signed with the club on August 12, meeting defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, with whom he worked in 2025 at the Las Vegas Raiders. The defender previously played for the Steelers in 2023 and 2024, logging 1,059 snaps and standing out for his physical presence against the run game. The franchise had decided to move on from him after the 2024 season to rejuvenate the position with Malik Harrison, but the change did not work as expected, as Harrison disappointed in the last season.

Preseason performance against the Buffalo Bills

Last Thursday, in the final preseason game against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium, Roberts was on the field for 43 snaps, playing until the end of the game. The athlete said he wanted that playing time to regain rhythm and physical shape. Although he missed two tackles in the loss to the Bills, he showed solid moments and was viewed as a good depth option for the roster.

Contractual situation of the veteran defender

As a veteran with vested rights, Roberts will not go through the league’s waiver process and becomes a free agent immediately. He does not provide a significant contribution on special teams, which weighed into his release. However, the player could be a candidate to return to the practice squad under head coach Mike McCarthy in his first year, serving as a piece that moves back and forth at the start of the season.

The future of the Pittsburgh Steelers defense

With Roberts’ departure, the Steelers keep internal linebackers Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson, Cole Holcomb, Carson Bruener and Malik Harrison in their group. The decision comes before the Sunday deadline at 6 p.m. for the final 53‑man roster cut. Roberts had already expressed a desire to stay with the team, saying after his signing that there is something different about playing in black and gold.

With information from Steelers Depot.