Steelers linebacker targets for 2026 and 2027 seasons
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - DECEMBER 22: Jack Campbell #46 of the Detroit Lions in action against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on December 22, 2024 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) | Getty ImagesThe Pittsburgh Steelers addressed multiple positions of need in the NFL Draft, selecting two offensive linemen, a wide receiver, and a quarterback within the first 100 picks. The one position they (surprisingly) didn't address, though, was inside linebacker.
With Patrick Queen entering the final year of his deal, and Payton Wilson having yet to show the full potential of being a green dot guy, the Steelers are thin at the position in the long-term, but also the short term, as Cole Holcomb is the only proven linebacker behind Queen and Wilson.
In our recent mailbag, multiple readers brought up the linebacking corps and if the Steelers had enough going forward. With that in mind, there are several free agent linebackers remaining on the market who Pittsburgh could add for 2026 that we will look at, as well as 2027 options to keep circled for the next year.
Steelers LB options for 2026Elandon Roberts
Bringing Roberts back is a no-brainer for the Steelers. He's tremendous against the run, and the Steelers are missing a true thumper in their rotation. Putting him on the field with Queen in run situations would help Pittsburgh improve on its 24th ranked rush defense in terms of efficiency.
Matt Milano
The former All-Pro has struggled to stay healthy in recent memory, playing just 21 games in the last three seasons combined. That said, he has one of the higher football IQs at the position in the league, and could be a good No. 3 or potential No. 2 linebacker in the rotation. As a blitzer, Milano remains terrific, posting 3.5 sacks in 2025 along with seven tackles for loss. He's also very good in coverage, totaling 10 career interceptions.
Bobby Wagner
It certainly could not be in an every-down role, but Bobby Wagner still has something to give. Similar to Roberts, Wagner remains tremendous against the run, as he finished 2025 with 52 defensive stops, which ranked ninth in the NFL. Plus, the benefits of having a future Hall of Fame linebacker on the defense in terms of the knowledge he has goes without saying.
Steelers 2027 LB optionsJack Campbell, Detroit Lions
The Lions decided not to pick up Campbell's fifth-year option. That doesn't mean an extension won't get done, but if the All-Pro does become available, the Steelers should be all over it. While it will cost them somewhere in the range of $19-22 million per year, they aren't paying a quarterback and can afford to get the deal done.
Jordyn Brooks, Miami Dolphins
Brooks is coming off a career year, totaling an insane 183 tackles, which earned him First-Team All-Pro honors. He will be 29 in October, and the Dolphins are looking to get younger as they enter a new era. Depending on where Miami sits at the trade deadline in 2026, he could become a trade target as early as October. If they hold onto him through the season, though, Brooks will be one of the more sought after free agents in 2027.
Daiyan Henley, Los Angeles Chargers
Henley had a very nice year in 2025, racking up 103 tackles and picking off two passes. He's a very good athlete with good side-to-side speed who could replace Queen as a starter in the lineup when the time comes.
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