Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Carson Bruener spent most of his time on the field on special teams as a rookie. However, the second-year player could find himself with some more opportunities this season if the Steelers linebacker room continues to underwhelm.
Last season, fellow inside linebackers Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson failed to reach the expectations around them, and if that happens again, Pittsburgh could look elsewhere for better results.
That isn't to say Bruener would be the next man up with veterans Cole Holcomb , Malik Harrison and Jamin Davis also in the room, but never say never, especially with a new coaching staff in place.
Bruener certainly still has a lot to prove as a former seventh-round pick, but he has the want to make a name for himself, not only to fans, but also as a part of the Steelers' storied defensive culture.
"Just the downhill attacking mentality. That's the biggest thing, is they don't let people run over them. Everyone's running to the ball. They're just aggressive, and I like that aggressive mindset," Bruener said.
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Carson Bruener in a game against the Miami Dolphins on Dec. 15, 2025. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
Acquired:The Steelers selected Bruener with the No. 226 pick in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Last year:Bruener entered 2025 as a depth piece and special teams contributer, recording 19 tackles (seven solo).
Pro career:Bruener now has one year of professional experience under his belt, which has proved to be very valuable for many players who end up making a second year leap.
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Carson Bruener in a game against the Baltimore Ravens on Jan. 4, 2026 — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
| Year |
Team |
GP |
Tack |
Sack |
FF |
FR |
lnt |
PD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 |
PIT |
17 |
19 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
Carson Bruener, Washington Huskies
Bruener, a Woodinville, Washington, native, played his collegiate ball for Washington (2020-24).
He immediately made an impact with eight tackles and a forced fumble in his first career game and finished his 2021 season with 69 tackles (48 solo), one sack, two forced fumbles and an interception.
In 2022, Bruener racked up another 46 tackles (29 solo) and one pass defensed, and in 2023, he had 86 tackles (43 solo), one forced fumble, one interception and three passes defensed.
However, Bruener truly broke out in 2024 after being voted as a team captain. He led Washington's defense with 104 tackles (60 solo), three interceptions and five passes defensed and was named third-team All-Big Ten.
| Year |
College |
Pos |
TOT |
Sack |
FF |
Int |
PD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 |
Washington |
LB |
104 |
0 |
1 |
3 |
5 |
| 2023 |
Washington |
LB |
86 |
0 |
1 |
1 |
3 |
| 2022 |
Washington |
LB |
46 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
1 |
| 2021 |
Washington |
LB |
69 |
1 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
Measured at the 2025 NFL Scouting Combine: 6-foot-1, 227 pounds; 4.58-second 40-yard dash, 1.57-second 10-yard split, 33.5-inch vertical, 9-foot-11 broad jump. He had a 8.85 Relative Athletic Score out of 10.
Bruener is entering the second season of his four-year rookie contract. He is set to earn $1,039,235 this year. He is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in 2029.
Bruener played football at Redmond High School. He had numerous scholarship offers as a three-star linebacker and ultimately committed to the University of Washington.
He is also a second-generation Steelers player, as his father was a first-round draft pick in 1997 and spent nine seasons with the club.
Alan Saunders and Brendan Howe provided reporting from Pittsburgh.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now : Carson Bruener Looking to Make a Name in Underwhelming Steelers LB Room
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