The Pittsburgh Steelers are bringing back one of their linebackers who played for the Las Vegas Raiders last season on a one-year deal.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are bringing a familiar face back to the Steel City. Veteran linebacker Elandon Roberts has officially signed a one-year deal to reunite with the franchise, as ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported.
Roberts originally played for the Steelers during the 2023 and 2024 seasons before spending 2025 out west with the Las Vegas Raiders. Now, the 32-year-old enforcer is back in black and gold to bolster the middle of the defense.
This signing makes perfect sense for both sides. Roberts already knows the organization, and he brings a built-in connection to the coaching staff. Patrick Graham, who coordinated the Raiders’ defense last year, took over as Pittsburgh’s defensive coordinator this offseason. That familiarity should allow Roberts to hit the ground running.
Despite his age, Roberts proved he still packs a punch during his Las Vegas pit stop. He suited up for all 17 games, making 16 starts and logging a 58 percent defensive snap share. The veteran tallied 90 combined tackles (42 solo), six tackles for loss, and one fumble recovery. If you want a snapshot of his relentless motor, just look at the October 20 box score against the Kansas City Chiefs. Even in a tough loss, Roberts racked up a massive 18 total tackles, including a stop behind the line of scrimmage.
In Pittsburgh, Roberts will immediately compete for snaps in a linebacker room featuring Patrick Queen and rising third-year pro Payton Wilson. During his initial stint with the Steelers, Roberts was a highly productive piece of the puzzle. He tallied 101 combined tackles and 2.5 sacks in 2023, following it up with a reliable rotational role in 2024.
While Queen and Wilson currently project as the primary starters, NFL defenses constantly need reliable depth. Adding a proven, hard-hitting veteran like Roberts on a low-cost contract gives the Steelers a crucial insurance policy as they gear up for the physical AFC North battles ahead in the 2026 campaign.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are bringing a familiar face back to the Steel City. Veteran linebacker Elandon Roberts has officially signed a one-year deal to reunite with the franchise, as ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported. Roberts originally played for the Steelers during the 2023 and 2024 seasons before spending 2025 out west with the Las Vegas Raiders.