Pittsburgh Steelers: Will Patrick Queen Be a Salary Cap Casualty?
Former Ravens inside linebacker Patrick Queen is entering the final season of a three-year, $41 million contract with Pittsburgh. The Steelers would reportedly save $13.3 million against the salary cap by releasing Queen prior to June 1.
Could Queen be a cap casualty? Several pundits believe so, including Matt Okada of NFL.com.
"Queen was a Pro Bowler two years ago in his first season with Pittsburgh, and his numbers were somewhat similar across the board in 2025," Okada wrote. "On the flip side, he earned just a 43.4 overall defensive grade from PFF, including an abysmal 32.4 coverage grade.
"The Steelers are in good cap shape, so this might not be a necessary move, but cutting Queen before June 1 would save Pittsburgh $13.3 million to help build an offense to new head coach Mike McCarthy's specifications."
However, other pundits believe Queen's spot in Pittsburgh is fairly secure.
"I don't know who replaces Patrick Queen unless you find somebody out there right now to be able to bring in free agency that you'll like better than him," said Mark Kaboly, the Steelers' correspondent for "The Pat McAfee Show" via the Steelers Depot. "I could see Patrick Queen getting extended more than I can see him getting cut right now."
Queen was a key piece in former Head Coach Mike Tomlin's defense, but now McCarthy is at the helm, while Patrick Graham is the defensive coordinator. The new regime in Pittsburgh will decide if Queen fits into next season's plans.