Steelers sign LB Elandon Roberts from Dolphins, cut LB Myles Jack in cap-saving move

The musical chairs at inside linebacker continued Thursday when the Pittsburgh Steelers agreed to terms on a contract with a second free agent at the position and cleared salary cap space by releasing Myles Jack.

The Steelers agreed to a two-year deal with former New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins linebacker Elandon Roberts, according to a source. He will join former Washington Commanders linebacker Cole Holcomb as additions to the middle of the team’s defense.

Holcomb agreed to a three-year deal, $18 million Wednesday with the Steelers. Roberts’ deal won’t be official until he signs his contract.

In two days, the makeup of the inside linebacker position has changed from Jack, Devin Bush and Robert Spillane, who agreed to a free-agent deal with Las Vegas, to Roberts and Holcomb. Bush remains a free agent and reportedly has a visit with Seattle scheduled.

Roberts, 28, was New England’s sixth-round pick in the 2016 draft. He joined the Dolphins in 2020 and started 47 games in Miami the past three seasons, including all 17 games in 2021 and 2022.

Not only did Roberts have a team-high 107 tackles last season, he showed an ability to rush the passer with 4 1/2 sacks. His 10 tackles for loss ranked second on the team.

He played his final season in Miami on a one-year deal that carried a $2.75 million cap hit.

Roberts’ addition came at the expense of Jack, whose tenure with the Steelers lasted one season. The Steelers signed Jack to a two-year, $16 million deal last offseason, but they will save $8 million with his release.

In his lone season with the Steelers, Jack led the team with 104 tackles in 15 games that included 13 starts. He was bothered by a groin injury that limited his playing time in the final three games of the season.

Jack becomes the latest inside linebacker to last just one season after being acquired by the Steelers in a trade or via free agency. He joins a list that includes Jon Bostic, Mark Barron, Avery Williamson and Joe Schobert.

The Steelers on Thursday also confirmed the free-agent signing of cornerback Patrick Peterson to a two-year contract and guard Nate Herbig on a two-year deal.

Herbig was with the Philadelphia Eagles when Steelers assistant general manager Andy Weidl was employed there. It’s one reason he followed Weidl here.

“It’s the Steelers,” he said. “What isn’t there to like about it? I don’t have enough good things to say.”

Herbig will compete for a starting guard job, most likely on the left side with incumbent Kevin Dotson.

“I’d play punter if they want me to,” Herbig said. “I’ll play wherever.”