Linebacker Cole Holcomb has officially re-signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers on a two-year contract worth $5 million, including a $625,000 signing bonus, as confirmed by NFL insider Aaron Wilson. The deal sets Holcomb’s base salary at $1.675 million for the 2026 season, rising to $2.7 million in 2027, providing the Steelers with an affordable addition to their linebacker corps.
Confirmation and Breakdown of Signing Terms
Initial reports from Aaron Wilson had listed Holcomb’s 2026 base salary as $1.575 million but were later corrected to $1.675 million to align with the overall $5 million figure. This structure reflects careful cap management by Pittsburgh, especially following the re-signing of cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. to a separate one-year, $4 million deal on the same day.
Holcomb’s Comeback and 2025 Season Performance
After suffering a serious knee injury in 2023 that sidelined him for the entire 2024 season, Holcomb worked diligently through rehabilitation to return to form. During the 2025 season, he appeared in 14 games, starting three, primarily filling in for Payton Wilson in base defensive packages. Holcomb made a notable impact early in the season by forcing a fumble during a Week Three victory over the New England Patriots.
.@ColeHolcomb_ ON THAT 💪
📺: #PITvsNE on @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/oupgdT8fEo
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers)
Holcomb concluded the season with 37 tackles and the forced fumble, while contributing on special teams with 161 snaps across various phases. Although he was not a staple on special teams, his versatility allowed the Steelers to deploy him in multiple roles.
Holcomb’s Career Stats and Role Moving Forward
Holcomb initially signed a three-year contract ahead of the 2023 season and has since played in 72 regular-season games with 59 starts. His NFL career totals include 479 tackles—19 for losses—seven forced fumbles, 4.5 sacks, and three interceptions. Entering the 2026 season, Holcomb brings valuable veteran depth behind starters Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson.
Linebacker Group Dynamics and Coaching Outlook
The Steelers face potential roster adjustments as Malik Harrison remains on the bubble, possibly being released due to salary cap considerations. If Harrison departs, Holcomb could assume a more prominent depth role alongside younger players like Carson Bruener, who impressed as a special teams contributor in his rookie year. Head coach Mike McCarthy has retained inside linebackers coach Scott McCurley, suggesting continuity in defensive coaching and the possibility of running back the linebacker group with some tweaks for the upcoming season.
#Steelers Cole Holcomb deal: two years, $5M, $625,000 signing bonus, salaries $1.675M, $2.7M
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 9, 2026
Cole Holcomb contract breakdown per @aaronwilson_nfl #Steelers #NFL pic.twitter.com/NH7iZgkZ6T
— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) March 9, 2026
.@ColeHolcomb_ ON THAT 💪
📺: #PITvsNE on @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/oupgdT8fEo
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) September 21, 2025
