The Pittsburgh Steelers made a surprise move in free agency on Monday, and as a result, a fan favorite has left the organization. When the Steelers signed linebacker Malik Harrison away from the Baltimore Ravens on Monday afternoon, that closed the door for a return for popular run stuffer Elandon Roberts , who had been widely expected to return to the team in free agency.
Hours after Harrison's deal with the Steelers was announced, Roberts agreed to a one-year contract with the Las Vegas Raiders.
Harrison is bigger and younger that Roberts, but the biggest thing he'll bring to the table is his presence on special teams, where he was a multi-phase performer in Baltimore.
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Elandon Roberts (50) tackles Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. (3) during a game at Acrisure Stadium. Photo by Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
With Roberts going to Vegas, the Raiders will be getting a dominant run stopper and an experienced physical presence on their defense, to help replace fellow former Steelers linebacker Robert Spillane , who signed a free agent deal with the New England Patriots earlier on Monday. Playing alongside Luke Masterson , Roberts should expect to be a starter and could be the green dot signal caller for the Raiders.
Though Roberts had said during the season that he hoped to finish his career in Pittsburgh, he'll find familiarity in Vegas. Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham and Roberts had both previously been with the New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins .
Connecting with Roberts on Tuesday, he said he'll look back fondly on his time with the Steelers.
"I hope that I earned the city of Pittsburgh's respect, just like I feel like I definitely did with the organization," Roberts said. "I wish them nothing but the best and the city of Pittsburgh will always be near and dear to me."
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