The Pittsburgh Steelers’ offseason decisions will likely involve some tough choices, and one player who may find himself on the chopping block is linebacker Damon Holcomb. After signing an $18 million contract with the Steelers in 2023, Holcomb’s time in Pittsburgh may be coming to an end.
Unfortunately for Holcomb, his 2023 season was marred by injury, which forced the Steelers to look elsewhere for solutions. Players like Queen and 2024 rookie Payton Wilson stepped up to fill the void, and the Steelers’ defense didn’t miss a beat. With Holcomb’s age (he’ll turn 29 in July) and the team’s newfound depth at the linebacker position, it’s likely that the Steelers will choose to cut ties with Holcomb this offseason.
By releasing Holcomb, the Steelers will save $6 million in cap space, which is a significant amount of money that can be used to address other needs on the roster. Moreover, the Steelers’ dead cap charge for Holcomb remains the same regardless of how they choose to move on from him. Whether they release him post-June 1, pre-June 1, or trade him, the Steelers will still free up $6 million in cap space.
From a general manager’s perspective, this decision is a no-brainer. Omar Khan and the Steelers’ front office have to make tough decisions to ensure the team’s long-term success, and cutting Holcomb loose is one of those decisions. Additionally, Holcomb’s lack of availability due to injury has made it difficult for him to live up to his salary. After signing his $18 million deal, Holcomb made just 8 appearances, forced 2 fumbles, and recorded 54 total tackles (4 for a loss).
While it’s never easy to part ways with a player, the Steelers have to prioritize their roster needs and make decisions that will benefit the team in the long run. With the emergence of younger players and the need to allocate resources elsewhere, it’s likely that Holcomb’s time in Pittsburgh will come to an end this offseason.
