Steelers bring back veteran LB Roberts on one-year deal

Aug 12, 2026, 08:43 PM ET

Veteran linebacker Elandon Roberts, who played in Pittsburgh during the 2023 and 2024 seasons, reached agreement with the Steelers on a one-year deal, his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, announced Wednesday.

Roberts, 32, not only returns to a familiar place in Pittsburgh, but the one-year deal reunites him with Steelers defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, whom he played for in Las Vegas last season.

Roberts' return adds depth and a run-stopping specialist to an inside linebacker group that also includes Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson.

Roberts started in 16 of 17 games for the Raiders in 2025, serving as one of the veteran voices on the defense. Known for his aggressive, downhill playing style, Roberts totaled 90 tackles and 16 run stuffs.

With the Steelers, he totaled 101 tackles in 2023, but his numbers declined in the following season due to a reduced role. Roberts had 46 tackles (five for loss), a sack and a forced fumble in 44% of the defensive snaps in 2024.

Roberts also spent three seasons with the Miami Dolphins after a four-year stint with the New England Patriots, who drafted him in the sixth round of the 2016 NFL draft.

In 10 seasons, Roberts has collected 694 tackles, 14.5 sacks and five forced fumbles in 157 games (121 starts).

ESPN's Ryan McFadden and Brooke Pryor contributed to this report.

Reporting from ESPN contributed to this story.