The Steelers’ search for help at linebacker may already be taking shape, and one Penn State defender is squarely in the mix.
Pittsburgh had a scout on hand to watch Tony Rojas, a name that could matter more and more if the team moves on from Patrick Queen after this season. Rojas stood out even though Penn State’s defense had a rough day overall, and the Steelers are clearly keeping tabs on him as a possible answer for the future.
Queen’s first season in Pittsburgh has not matched the size of the investment. He came over on a huge free-agent deal, but the production has been uneven, and the missed tackles have become impossible to ignore.
His performance against the Browns was part of the problem, with a lack of physicality and poor tackling showing up at the wrong time. It has only strengthened the sense that Pittsburgh needs to find an upgrade this offseason.
That search could eventually point to the 2027 NFL Draft, where Rojas is one of the names to watch. Penn State has a strong reputation for developing linebackers, and Rojas fits the kind of profile Pittsburgh tends to like: tough, physical, and athletic. He also brings the local connection that often matters to the Steelers.
Even with Penn State’s season sliding and the defense giving up 413 rushing yards against Northwestern, Rojas put together a strong individual showing. He finished with 12 tackles, one sack, three and a half tackles for loss, and a pass deflection.
At the moment, he is expected to land on Day 2 of the upcoming NFL Draft. For now, he’s a player worth circling, especially with the Steelers already getting a firsthand look. With Queen trending toward free agency and his Pittsburgh run looking shaky, Rojas could become the long-term fix.
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