Steelers Might Have Long-Term LB Solution Developing

In an inside linebacker room that has an uncertain future, Carson Bruener might be setting himself up as a major piece of the puzzle for the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Bruener, whose father, Mark, played tight end for the Steelers from 1995 to 2003 and later become a scout for the organization, was a seventh-round pick out of Washington in the 2025 NFL Draft.

The 25-year-old appeared in all 17 of Pittsburgh's contests during his rookie campaign, logging 287 snaps on special teams in the process.

Bruener finished with just one defensive rep on the year, but if his play from the team's preseason game against the New York Jets can carry over into the regular season, he may force himself into a larger role moving forward.

Aug 21, 2025; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers running back Emani Bailey (39) is wrapped up by Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Carson Bruener (44) during the second half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Bruener's Standout Performance vs. New York

After recording 52 total snaps in the preseason opener against the Green Bay Packers (per Pro Football Focus), Bruener was on the field for just 17 reps vs. New York.

Nine of those snaps came on defense, and he certainly maximized his opportunity over that sample size.

On the Jets' last drive of the first half, Bruener first broke up a pass that was intended for Jelani Woods before bull-rushing Kene Nwangwu in the backfield and sacking Cade Klubnik on the very next play.

New York proceeded to miss a 59-yard field goal as time expired in the half, and Bruener was perhaps the leading reason why the Jets were kept off the board in that instance.

During his halftime interview with Missi Matthews, Mike McCarthy went out of his way to highlight Bruener's performance.

"Well, I mean, there's still a lot of ball," McCarthy said. "There's a lot going on here. One thing we really emphasized was finishing plays. I thought Carson Bruener, that's what we're looking for... We need more of that throughout the second half."

Aug 16, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Brandon Johnson (11) and linebacker Carson Bruener (44) tackle Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Garrett Greene (85) on a kick-off return during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Bruener's Future Outlook and How He Could Become a Key Part of Pittsburgh's Defense

With the recent addition of Elandon Roberts, who was also impressive against the Jets, it appears likely that the Steelers will include five inside linebackers on their initial 53-man roster.

As the fifth option amongst that group behind Patrick Queen, Payton Wilson, Cole Holcomb and Roberts, Bruener isn't going to be featured much on defense, if at all.

Because Queen and Roberts are slated to become free agents after the season ends while Wilson and Holcomb will both be in the final years of their deals, however, Pittsburgh should be incentivized to keep giving Bruener auditions and see how he progresses as the only player at the position group under contract beyond 2027.

He's taken some clear steps forward from where he stood as a rookie, and at a position like inside linebacker where it takes time to adapt and grow at the NFL level, the assumption is that Bruener is only going to continue to improve from here.

It's too early to declare that Bruener could turn into a long-term starter for the Steelers, but at the very least he's putting himself on the radar beyond his usual special teams duties.

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