Pittsburgh, PA – The Pittsburgh Steelers are facing a challenging offseason, with several key players set to become free agents and a tight salary cap situation. One player who could potentially become a cap casualty is linebacker Cole Holcomb, who was signed by the Steelers last offseason.
According to Steelers insider, Gerry Dulac, Holcomb’s contract could make him a candidate to be released by the team. Holcomb signed a one-year deal with the Steelers worth $2.58 million, but his cap hit for the 2025 season is $3.58 million.
However, Steelers beat writer, Brian Fittipaldo, believes that Holcomb’s situation is a special circumstance. Fittipaldo notes that Holcomb was a key contributor to the Steelers’ defense last season, playing in 17 games and recording 93 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and 1 interception.
“I think Cole Holcomb is a special circumstance,” Fittipaldo said. “He was a valuable player for the Steelers last season, and I think they want to keep him. However, his contract is a bit of an issue. I think the Steelers will try to work out a new deal with Holcomb, but if they can’t, he could potentially become a cap casualty.”
Fittipaldo’s comments suggest that the Steelers value Holcomb’s contributions to the team and are willing to work with him to find a solution. However, the team’s tight salary cap situation means that difficult decisions may need to be made.
The Steelers have several other key players who are set to become free agents, including safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, cornerback Cameron Sutton, and linebacker Alex Highsmith. The team will need to make some tough decisions in the coming weeks to determine which players to prioritize and which to let go.
Cole Holcomb’s Career Stats
Games Played: 34
Tackles: 193
Sacks: 5.5
Interceptions: 2
Forced Fumbles: 1
Pittsburgh Steelers’ Salary Cap Situation
Total Cap Space: $10.5 million
Cap Hits for 2025:
QB Kenny Pickett: $8.5 million
WR Diontae Johnson: $7.5 million
LB Cole Holcomb: $3.58 million
Free Agents:
S Minkah Fitzpatrick
CB Cameron Sutton
LB Alex Highsmith
Steelers’ Offseason Priorities
Re-sign S Minkah Fitzpatrick
Re-sign CB Cameron Sutton
Re-sign LB Alex Highsmith
Address the team’s tight salary cap situation
Make decisions on potential cap casualties, including LB Cole Holcomb
