The Pittsburgh Steelers are turning to a familiar face to bolster their defense, bringing back veteran linebacker Elandon Roberts on a one-year contract ahead of the 2026 season. Roberts, who previously spent the 2023 and 2024 campaigns with Pittsburgh, agreed to terms on Wednesday following a 2025 stint with the Las Vegas Raiders, according to a report by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
At 32 years old, Roberts returns to the franchise carrying a reputation as one of the National Football League’s more physical downhill linebackers. During his previous tenure in western Pennsylvania, he established himself as a central figure in the middle of the defense, recording 101 total tackles during a productive 2023 season.
By making this transaction, Pittsburgh secures another seasoned linebacker choice while bringing back an individual who already understands what the Steelers’ defense demands. His talent for challenging the line of scrimmage and stopping the run could prove especially helpful as Pittsburgh gears up for the 2026 campaign.
Veteran Production in Las Vegas and Pittsburgh
Roberts started 16 of 17 games for the Las Vegas Raiders last season, emerging as a veteran presence on their defense. According to sportingnews.com, he finished that campaign with 90 tackles and 16 run stuffs, proving he could maintain a heavy workload deep into his career. His familiarity with Pittsburgh’s defensive scheme could allow him to make an immediate impact on the field.
During his second year in Pittsburgh, Roberts saw his playing time shift as the team rotated personnel, but he remained productive in limited action. He contributed 46 tackles, including five for a loss, one sack, and a forced fumble while playing 44% of the team’s defensive snaps. Now, the Steelers are betting that Roberts still has plenty left to offer the middle of their defensive front.
A Decade of Experience Across the NFL
Roberts entered the professional ranks 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, eventually landing in Pittsburgh ahead of the 2023 season.
Across 10 NFL seasons, Roberts has appeared in 157 games, making 121 starts. Over that span, he has accumulated 694 total tackles, 14.5 sacks, and five forced fumbles. For Pittsburgh, this signing represents a calculated choice to bring back a known quantity rather than gambling on an unfamiliar veteran who might require a longer adjustment period.
As the team approaches its offseason workout programs and minicamps, further updates regarding roster adjustments and positional depth charts are expected directly from the franchise. Readers and fans looking for official club announcements can monitor the team’s official website at steelers.com. Feel free to share your thoughts on the roster move in the comments below.
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