Cole Holcomb

Career StatsD+

Year	Team	GP	Tkl	Sacks	INT
Career		72	479	4.5	3
2025		14	37	0.0	0
2023		8	54	0.0	0
2022		7

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

Pittsburgh secured solid value by locking up Cole Holcomb at $2.5M AAV, earning a B- CVI that reflects smart roster building in today's inflated linebacker market. The two-year deal appropriately compensates a rotational player who brings proven NFL experience without breaking the bank — a far cry from the $8-12M annually that above-average starting linebackers command. At 28, Holcomb is entering his prime years as a reliable depth piece, and the minimal $0.6M guaranteed money gives the Steelers flexibility to move on without major dead cap implications if needed. The contract structure is particularly shrewd, allowing Pittsburgh to retain a capable contributor while maintaining salary cap space for higher-impact positions. This represents the kind of measured, value-conscious signing that builds sustainable depth charts rather than flashy headlines.

Performance Analysis

Cole Holcomb earns a D+ for the Steelers at linebacker, a player who has been fighting back from a devastating knee injury that threatened his career. Holcomb was a productive starter in Washington before the injury, and his return has been a testament to his toughness and determination. His production has not returned to pre-injury levels, but there have been encouraging moments that suggest he can still contribute. Pittsburgh has been patient with his recovery, and Holcomb's experience and football IQ remain assets. He is still working his way back, and the hope is that a full offseason will bring him closer to the player he was.