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Steelers Presented With Interesting LB Question PITTSBURGH -- One of the biggest positions of question for the Pittsburgh Steelers ahead of the 2026 season is their middle linebacker group.
The unit returns a Sep 28, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Washington Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner on the field during a game against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images | Brett Davis-Imagn Images PITTSBURGH -- One of the biggest positions of question for the Pittsburgh Steelers ahead of the 2026 season is their middle linebacker group.
The unit returns a large portion of the group from 2025, headlined by startersThe hope is that under new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, the linebackers take a step forward.
Queen and Wilson are the two biggest beneficiaries of a new coordinator, but that hasn't convinced everyone.Former Steelers lineman Trai Essex is one of those people.
On a recent episode of his podcast,he shared why he believes the team should target another player to add to the room.
He identified former Super Bowl winner and future Hall of Famer Bobby Wagner as an immediate upgrade, raising an interesting question about the team's position group."I think Bobby Wagner could come in right now and add to that inside linebacking crew, especially if Queen and Payton Wilson are struggling to start the year, he said.
I dont think Wagner, especially if he wants to play, will be available that long into training camp because I think, without a doubt, theres gonna be an inside linebacker that gets hurt."I have been arguing this for months, and Essex's latest comments only double down on my own belief.
The Steelers don't have enough depth at inside linebacker.
It starts with Queen and Wilson at the top of the depth chart.
They both enter the 2026 campaign with huge expectations, but also a seed of doubt.That's why I argued for Wagner to be aBehind them is a group of rotational players, none of whom can take over the starting job if the starters falter.like Malik Harrison, Cole Holcomb and Jamin Davis are quality backups, but they can't be expected to shoulder significant snaps in this defense.
Sep 7, 2025; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner celebrates after a play during the second quarter against the New York Giants at Northwest Stadium.Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images | Peter Casey-Imagn ImagesIn a player like Wagner, however, you know exactly what you get.
The 35-year-old still has the itch to play despite a streamlined path to Canton, and he brings one thing with certainty.
He's a sure tackler who can help in early downs and running situations.
There are weaknesses to his game at this stage of his career, obviously, but the consistency he still delivers is what is so appealing.As Essex put it, Wagner makes a ton of sense if the Steelers feel underwhelmed by their group in the coming weeks."Hes still been very productive, he stated.
Bobby Wagner is definitely a name that, I think, the Steelers might want to kick the tires on him if were not seeing what we want to see from that linebacking crew.
" Wagner brings confidence and consistency, two things the Steelers could use a bit more of as they look to start a new phase on defense.
Loading recommendations...Please wait while we load personalized content recommendationsJacob is a featured writer covering the Pittsburgh Steelers for Steelers On SI and the NHL for Breakaway On SI.
He also co-hosts the All Steelers Talk podcast.
Previous work covering the NHL for Inside the Penguins and The Hockey News.