Bleacher Report projects Steelers edge rusher Cole Holcomb will likely be a cut candidate this upcoming offseason. According to the source, it would be a no-brainer move since the 28-year-old missed the entire 2024 campaign because of a knee injury. There were reports earlier that he could return but that didn’t happen as Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson had made a name for themselves in the linebacker corps in Holcomb’s recovery absence. Originally selected in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, the former North Carolina product came into the league as a solid starter for the Washington Redskins/Football Team/Commanders.
After four years in the nation’s capital, Holcomb came into Pittsburgh on a three-year deal, recording 54 tackles, four tackles for loss and one fumble recovery before his 2023 injury. Unfortunately, the linebacker probably won’t return to the team since they have enough legs to work within their pass-rushing unit. Holcomb should return to full health by the time he signs with a potential suitor in free agency but he may have to take on a one-year contract before he can earn a long-term deal. However, with Queen and Wilson emerging as the reliable starters, the Steelers are in good arms when it comes to their defense so Holcomb should find a new team sooner rather than later.
Bleacher Report Projects Cole Holcomb is Cut Candidate – Chargers, Saints Possible Next Teams
Reinforcements for Harbaugh’s Defense
The Los Angeles Chargers have one of the best rosters in the league since head coach Jim Harbaugh came into the league taking over for the team. However, they couldn’t advance further in the postseason to no surprise since quarterback Justin Herbert didn’t have enough capable superstar targets to help in the aerial attack. Since drafting rookie Ladd McConkey, the offense finally finds some life but receivers like Quentin Johnston and Joshua Palmer have been inconsistent. The organization could easily find a fixture for their offense but the defense will lose several critical pieces to the market in free agent.
With Khalil Mack possibly retiring, the Chargers should search for a new capable edge rusher. Cole Holcomb might not bring much to the table but it’s a significant upgrade over Joey Bosa who might be on the chopping block. The Chargers will need to draft a linebacker but the team could benefit from adding Holcomb. While they still need to find capable replacements for their pass defense, the team needs to achieve winning ball games that fit Harbaugh’s philosophy in the trenches.
Scrapping for Dollars
General Manager Mickey Loomis needs to save this team in the worst way. He can’t let pride get in the way of letting the Saints rebuild but unfortunately, he has no desire for that to happen. Quarterback Derek Carr has no desire as well to help the team’s financial situation so it’s hard to imagine the Saints will do much this upcoming offseason. However, they have several key defensive pieces such as safety Tyrann Mathieu and edge rusher Cameron Jordan.
Despite that, the Saints need to get creative in bringing in a few more key pieces to fill the gaps and get after the quarterback. Holcomb might not be an immediate prize but he could be a fine consolation replacement while the Saints figure out how to use their spending money.
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