Malik Harrison’s grip on a Steelers roster spot already looks shaky before training camp even opens.
Pittsburgh brought him in as a free agent in 2025 on a two-year, $10 million deal, expecting a sturdy, AFC North-ready piece for the middle of the defense. The idea was clear enough: add toughness, add familiarity, add depth. But after one season, the return hasn’t matched the investment.
Harrison played in 11 games and started nine of them, finishing with 41 combined tackles and two tackles for loss. For a player carrying a $6.8 million cap charge in 2026, that’s not the kind of production that makes a team feel committed.
The problem for Harrison is that Cole Holcomb is back in the mix. Pittsburgh re-signed Holcomb in March on a two-year, $5 million contract, and that move gives the Steelers a cheaper alternative for the same general job. Holcomb has had serious injury issues, so nothing is guaranteed there, but his physical style and run defense fit what the coaching staff wants from inside linebackers.
Even in limited work last season, Holcomb put up 24 tackles and a forced fumble across 198 snaps. That’s modest production on paper, but the context matters, especially with the role he was asked to handle.
If Holcomb is healthy enough to handle rotational snaps, Pittsburgh may not need to carry two veteran linebackers with overlapping early-down responsibilities. Patrick Queen doesn’t appear to be going anywhere, and the Steelers will also want room for younger, cheaper players who can help on special teams.
Harrison does at least bring something the Steelers value. He was the No. 98 pick by the Baltimore Ravens in the 2020 NFL Draft, so he comes with the kind of divisional experience Mike Tomlin likes. But familiarity only goes so far when the contract starts to outweigh the impact.
Training camp will give Harrison a chance to push back against that reality. Still, he’ll need more than a steady showing to secure his place. With Holcomb back, Pittsburgh has a less expensive route to the same defensive role, and that makes Harrison’s path a lot narrower.
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