Regardless of what happens in the upcoming NFL Draft, inside linebacker is going to look a lot different for the Steelers in 2023.
Devin Bush is in Seattle. Robert Spillane signed with Las Vegas. Myles Jack was cut as a cap casualty. And, Omar Khan's answer to address the position thus far have been the additions of Cole Holcomb and Elandon Roberts. The only holdover is Mark Robinson, and the 2022 seventh-round pick really only logged meaningful defensive snaps in two NFL games.
That's not your typical position turnover. When you weigh in Aaron Curry replacing Jerry Olsavsky as the team's inside linebackers coach, it's clear the position has undergone a major overhaul.
But, when Roberts addressed local reporters via Zoom on Monday afternoon, it's evident that being a key piece of this overhaul isn't a challenge that can't be overcome.
"I'm excited. Every year in the league, not with just the Steelers, but with the rest of the 31 teams, there's a lot of changes. You always kind of see it," Roberts said. "My mind is just really set on getting in, earning the trust of my coaches, my teammates and the city of Pittsburgh. That's my main focus right now."
That kind of nonchalant attitude towards a team going through major change at a position can really only come from someone with great experience. And, of all the things Roberts brings to the Steelers, experience is definitely one of them.
The 2016 sixth-round selection by the Patriots became a starter in his second season, and wound up playing in three Super Bowls with New England, winning two of them. After four seasons, Roberts went to the Dolphins and became more and more of a centerpiece in the defense. Roberts eventually became a captain in 2022, as he became not only well-liked, but highly-respected by his Miami teammates. On top of that, he turned in the most productive season of his career as captain, racking up 107 tackles and 4.5 sacks.
That kind of experience will be most welcome in this type of a transition, especially if there's more young blood on the way through the draft.
"Getting to Super Bowls early, you understand that it isn't easy," Roberts said. "There's a lot that goes into that. Being a younger guy, watching those guys, you see it's a big honor to get back to that. I think that's with everyone in the league."
What makes Roberts even more valuable is Pittsburgh was where he wanted to be. While weighing a few different options, as soon as he and his agent found out the Steelers were interested, Roberts only had one destination in mind for free agency. In fact, he told his agent very simply: "Get it done."
"I've always admired the organization. I've always admired how they operated," Roberts said of the Steelers. "I've always heard good things about Coach Mike [Tomlin].
"I told him at my pro day seven years ago, 'Come get me.' As soon as we talked, I told him, 'Man, it's been seven years, huh?' God has his time for everything. I'm just ecstatic to be part of the organization."
Since Roberts' first experience with Tomlin at the University of Houston, he's had plenty of opportunity to stay in tune with how Tomlin coaches his football teams, albeit watching from the other sideline while playing with New England and Miami. Roberts had nothing but good things to say about the way Tomlin and his coaching staff seem to be right in the thick of it with the players.
"When you're playing those guys, man, Mike T's on the field with them," Roberts said. "Even though you're playing for your brother next to you, just to know, man, I'm playing for my coaches too. And, I'm on the other side looking at it, going against them, saying, 'Man, that's dope.' Like, he's fired up. I've always admired that, and you know they're going to be prepared."
How exactly Roberts will fit into the defense remains to be seen. Of course, that's a critical component of not only this signing, but adding Holcomb as well. The Steelers have surely hit on free-agent signings at linebacker, most notably James Farrior. However, there is a much longer list of names that haven't been able to live up to even modest expectations, especially in recent years. And, it's no secret the position has never been the same since Ryan Shazier suffered his tragic career-ending injury. The Steelers could really use a win in either one of these signings.
"I flew in, I signed, met the coaching staff," Roberts said. But, we just haven't gotten to that point yet, with scheming and whatnot. Eventually we will, with the offseason training, coming in for OTAs. But, it's just kind of one step at a time right now."
While we don't yet know how Roberts or Holcomb will be deployed, we do know that Roberts' game is centered around the ability to stop the run and blitz the quarterback from the second level. And, as far as Roberts is concerned, it's a perfect match with the Steelers.
"I don't feel like it's any secret. I'm a physical linebacker," Roberts said. "That's just me. Going into my eighth year, I think people know I'm a physical, downhill guy who likes to hit. I feel Pittsburgh's style fits me."
Roberts' style fits Pittsburgh too. Perhaps the most important thing he can bring outside of laying big hits on running backs is leadership for a similar type of linebacker in Robinson, along with any potential selections in the upcoming draft. While it's not a splashy signing, it's one both parties were excited about.
"I've always said to myself and my wife, if I had the opportunity, it would be hard to pull me from that one. God doesn't make mistakes," Roberts said. "I joked with coach Mike, the GM (Omar Khan) and assistant GM (Andy Weidl) that it took seven years. But the timing is right on. I'm excited for the opportunity. I'm excited to be a Pittsburgh Steeler."
OTHER NOTES FROM MONDAY...
• The year-by-year breakdown of the Isaac Seumalo signing is not yet known. However, we do know the numbers of the other six signings so far in free agency. Here's how the salary cap looks after those six additions. Even after Seumalo is accounted for, there is still more than enough flexibility to do more. This has been a great first free agency by Khan. No two ways around that.
• On top of former Ravens assistant Jason Brooks being officially added to the staff as defensive quality control coach, Denzel Martin has been promoted to outside linebackers coach. I've got more on that in a separate piece.
• Tomlin and Khan spent Monday visiting Iowa's pro day. That's not a typical stop for the head coach and GM, so it's more than noteworthy that they made the trip. Notable prospects there are edge rusher Lukas Van Ness, linebacker Jack Campbell and tight end Sam LaPorta.
• According to reports, commissioner Roger Goodell is expected to get a contract extension at the NFL owners' meeting next week in Phoenix. I'm sure that'll go over well in the comments.
