The Steelers are running it back with a familiar face. Adam Schefter reported that veteran linebacker Elandon Roberts has agreed to a one-year deal with Pittsburgh, reuniting him with a defense he last suited up for in 2024.
Roberts isn't a new name to Steelers fans. He spent the 2023 and 2024 seasons in Pittsburgh, racking up 147 tackles and 3.5 sacks over those two years before bolting for a one-year deal with the Raiders in 2025. Now, at 32 and entering his 11th NFL season, he's coming home.
This isn't just a nostalgia signing, either. Roberts is reuniting with Patrick Graham, Pittsburgh's new defensive coordinator, who called the shots for Roberts' defense in Las Vegas last season. That familiarity should help him get up to speed fast, even with the preseason clock already ticking.
Roberts has never been a flashy name, but he's been remarkably durable and productive throughout his career: 694 tackles, 60 of them for loss, 14.5 sacks and 5 forced fumbles across 11 seasons, plus 2 Super Bowl rings from his New England days. He kept that going in Vegas last year with 90 tackles, 6 tackles for loss, a forced fumble and a pass breakup.
Don't expect him to walk into a starting job, though. Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson are locked in as the Steelers' starting linebackers, so Roberts profiles as depth and a core special-teamer who can step in if the run defense needs a downhill hitter. His arrival also puts veteran Malik Harrison's roster spot in real jeopardy.
Either way, it's a low-cost, low-risk move for a Steelers front office that clearly values Roberts' track record and locker room presence enough to bring him back for round two.