The Steelers release linebacker Elandon Roberts ahead of Sunday’s deadline for NFL roster cuts

The Pittsburgh Steelers released veteran linebacker Elandon Roberts on August 30, 2026, alongside fellow linebacker Jamin Davis, trimming their roster hours before the NFL’s 53-man roster deadline while also trading running back Kaleb Johnson to the Green Bay Packers.

The Pittsburgh Steelers shook up their roster on August 30, 2026, executing a flurry of moves just hours before the league-mandated 53-man roster deadline at 6 p.m. Among the most unexpected transactions was the release of veteran inside linebacker Elandon Roberts, a player who had established himself as a fan favorite during his prior tenure with the organization. The move followed a series of roster adjustments, including the trade of running back Kaleb Johnson to the Packers and the release of linebacker Jamin Davis.

The decisions highlight a busy weekend for general manager Omar Khan and the front office as they finalized the regular-season squad. Alongside the linebacker cuts, the organization traded second-year running back Kaleb Johnson to the Packers, continuing a stretch of roster turnover that included trading former first-round pick Broderick Jones earlier in the weekend. On Saturday, the Steelers also traded Jones and a 2027 fourth-round pick for 2027 third- and sixth-round selections, according to a source.

The Steelers trade second-year running back Kaleb Johnson to

Inside Linebacker Shakeup: Elandon Roberts and Malik Harrison Depart

The Steelers release linebacker Elandon Roberts ahead of Sunday’s deadline for NFL roster cuts — Photo: aol.com

The decision to cut Roberts surprised many observers because the organization had brought him back to town only weeks earlier in August. During his initial stint with Pittsburgh from 2023 to 2024, Roberts started 29 of 33 games and earned a reputation for his physical, run-stopping style in short-yardage and goal-line situations. After spending the 2025 season with the Las Vegas Raiders under defensive coordinator Patrick Graham—who now holds the same role in Pittsburgh—Roberts returned on a one-year deal. However, despite logging 71 preseason snaps against the Jets and 42 against the Bills, the team opted to release him. Because Roberts is a vested veteran, he is not subject to waivers, leaving open the possibility that his departure could serve as a procedural maneuver before a potential return.

At the same time, the Steelers also released veteran inside linebacker Malik Harrison. Harrison signed a two-year, $10 million deal in 2025 and was set to make a $4.75 million salary this season. Cutting Harrison provides the franchise with roughly $4.75 million in salary cap savings, adding financial flexibility alongside the nearly $18 million in cap space freed up by restructuring DK Metcalf’s contract earlier in the week.

Steelers release LB Elandon Roberts

Jamin Davis Exits After Short Offseason Stint

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The linebacker room overhaul also claimed another prominent former first-round selection. The franchise confirmed the release of Jamin Davis, adding another difficult chapter to a career that began with immense expectations. Washington originally selected Davis 19th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, hoping he would anchor their defense. When he struggled to consistently secure a long-term starting role with Washington, he eventually moved on. Pittsburgh offered him another opportunity in 2026, but the linebacker was ultimately unable to do enough during the offseason and preseason to warrant a spot on the final 53-man roster. Davis’ release represents another disappointing chapter in the career of a former first-round selection, as he never fully established himself as the impact player expected from a No. 19 overall pick.

Kaleb Johnson Traded to Green Bay After a Disappointing Sophomore Bid

Steelers Signing of Elandon Roberts Has Massive Impact on

Offensive depth saw changes as well when the Steelers shipped running back Kaleb Johnson to Green Bay. Selected in the third round (No. 83 overall) of the 2025 NFL Draft, Johnson struggled to find consistent footing under the coaching staff. His rookie campaign derailed during a Week 2 matchup against Seattle last season, when he failed to field a kickoff within the field of play, resulting in a touchdown that gave the Seahawks a 24-14 lead in an eventual 31-17 defeat. Johnson saw minimal action on offense afterward, finishing his rookie year with just 28 carries for 69 yards across 10 games. During the 2026 preseason, he languished at the back of the rotation, logging 36 total snaps across three games. His only significant action came against the Jets, where he recorded 23 snaps and 10 rushes for 39 yards.

Financial Flexibility and Roster Math Ahead of the Regular Season

Instant Reaction to The Steelers 53-Man Roster: WHO MADE THE TEAM? + Elandon Roberts CUT

The cascading changes at linebacker and running back reflect a franchise aggressively managing both its cap ledger and its depth chart. While Roberts’ release temporarily removes a trusted run defender, the financial maneuvering gives the front office room to maneuver. With the roster down to 53 players, attention now shifts to whether veteran additions like Roberts might return to the fold once procedural roster dust settles. The Steelers’ moves also underscore the challenges of maintaining depth in an evolving defensive scheme, as Roberts’ return and Harrison’s potential exit reshape the inside linebacker landscape.

The release of Roberts and Harrison, coupled with the trade of Johnson, signals a strategic recalibration for the Steelers as they prepare for the 2026 season. With the roster finalized, the focus turns to how these adjustments will impact the team’s performance, particularly in critical short-yardage situations and special teams coverage. As the season approaches, the organization’s ability to balance veteran experience with developmental talent will be closely watched.