The Pittsburgh Steelers tried out a pair of veteran linebackers at UPMC Rooney Sports Complex on Friday, according to the NFL transactions page.
The Steelers hosted veteran linebackers Marte Mapu and Chad Muma for tryouts as the team entered its mini-bye on Friday.
Mapu, 26, was a third-round pick of the New England Patriots in 2023. He spent three seasons in New England, playing in 44 games and making 10 starts. He played in all four Patriots playoff games in 2025, including Super Bowl LX.
His best season came in 2025, when Mapu racked up 46 tackles, 0.5 sacks, one quarterback hit, an interception, three forced fumbles and six passes defended. Mapu played both linebacker and safety at times for the Patriots.
Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; New England Patriots safety Dell Pettus (24) and linebacker Chad Muma (49) celebrate after a play against the Seattle Seahawks during Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn ImagesCredit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect
Muma, 27, was a third-round pick of the Jacksonville Jaguars out of Wyoming in the 2022 NFL Draft. He spent three seasons with the Jaguars before splitting the 2025 season between the Indianapolis Colts and Patriots.
Muma was a regular part of the rotation with the Jaguars, played in 50 games and making seven starters over three seasons. His best year statistically was as a rookie in 2022, when he recorded 1.5 sacks, three tackles for loss, three quarterback hits and racked up 47 total tackles.
He was waived by the Jaguars last August, and claimed by the Colts. He played five games in Indianapolis, cleared waivers and was sent to the practice squad, and then was signed by the Patriots off the Indy practice squad.
Muma played in three regular-season games for the Patriots at the end of last year and all four playoff games as New England made a run to Super Bowl LX . He was released by the Patriots in August and has been a free agent ever since.
The Steelers don't have an obvious need at linebacker, where Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson have started all four games. Veteran backup Cole Holcomb and special teamer Carson Bruener have also dressed in all four games. Jacoby Windmon is on the practice squad.
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