The Pittsburgh Steelers are set to sign former Washington Commanders linebacker Cole Holcomb, according to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network. It’s a reported three-year deal for Holcomb. The deal is pending Holcomb passing a physical. He underwent foot surgery in November.
The #Steelers agreed to terms with former #Commanders LB Cole Holcomb earlier this week on a three-year deal pending physical, per source.
Holcomb, 26, has started 48 games for Washington. A big addition to Pittsburgh’s defense. pic.twitter.com/iiquOESnsp
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 15, 2023
Holcomb was a fifth-round pick out of North Carolina in 2019 and essentially became a starter on day one.
In 2019, Holcomb played in all 16 games, making 15 starts, and recorded 105 tackles, including six for loss under former head coach Jay Gruden and then interim coach Bill Callahan.
In 2020, Holcomb was an immediate starter under new head coach Ron Rivera and defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio. He played 11 games, making 10 starts due to injury, and finished the year with 72 tackles. In 2021, Holcomb started 16 games and never came off the field. His only missed start came when the team was hit hard by COVID-19. He finished the year with a career-high 142 tackles.
Heading into 2022, the Commanders didn’t upgrade the mike linebacker position, instead moving Holcomb there. Holcomb played seven games before his foot injury and was lost for the season. He played well before his injury.
Washington agreed to terms with former Seattle third-round pick Cody Barton on Wednesday but still wanted to retain Holcomb. However, the two sides couldn’t agree on financial terms.
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