Pittsburgh Steelers, Patrick Queen
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Pittsburgh Steelers LB Patrick Queen.
Two years ago, Patrick Queen was one of the top free-agent defenders in the NFL. Yet, after two seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the linebacker is facing mounting criticism.
The timing is notable, with the new league year now underway. The rumor mill has already started churning, with Queen being listed as a potential trade candidate.
In fact, on March 9, Nick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported that “a handful of teams” had made contact with the Steelers about trading for Queen.
But if what scouts are saying about Queen is true, Pittsburgh may have a hard time finding a suitor.
Scouts Question Patrick Queen’s Play Amid Trade Buzz
One team that has emerged as a potential landing spot is the Dallas Cowboys, who are looking to bolster their defense.
ESPN’s Todd Archer reported on March 19 that Queen could be an option for Dallas — though not necessarily an ideal one — after hearing that “several scouts said his play fell off last year.”
That wasn’t the only blunt evaluation Queen, 26, has received.
Sam Monson of The 33rd Team was even more critical.
“I think linebacker, generally, is the area that I would focus on the most,” Monson said on the Check the Mic podcast. “Patrick Queen has been talked about as a guy that’s going to get shipped on. Like, Dallas is supposedly interested in him, other teams are potentially interested in him. Teams will always be interested in him, because he’s athletic and can do impressive things. But, very little evidence he’s a good football player at the moment. So, I would be looking to move on from him ASAP if I’m the Steelers.”
Queen entered free agency in 2024 coming off his first Pro Bowl season, recording 3.5 sacks, 133 total tackles, nine tackles for loss, six QB hits, one forced fumble and one interception. Pro Football Focus gave him a 73.0 defensive grade — the highest of his career.
However, his production has dipped in Pittsburgh. Over the past two seasons, his tackle numbers have declined, and he has just two combined sacks. His PFF grades have also dropped significantly — down to 56.8 in 2024 and 43.5 last season.
Steelers Not Ready to Move On — Yet
For now, ESPN’s Adam Schefter has cooled the trade speculation talk, though he noted the situation remains somewhat “unusual.”
“The Pittsburgh Steelers say they’re not interested in moving on from him,” Schefter said, while on The Pat McAfee Show. “This could be maybe a money issue where he might be looking for more. Or maybe they want him to take a pay cut that he’s unwilling to take right now.”
Looking at Queen’s recent production, it’s easy to understand why Pittsburgh might push for a pay cut. He’s set to make $17 million next season, with a matching cap hit, in the final year of the three-year, $41 million deal he signed in 2024.
The Steelers could alleviate some of that financial pressure by moving him. A trade would save roughly $10.83 million while leaving behind a $6.3 million dead cap hit. A release would offer a similar outcome, making that another option on the table.
For now, though, Queen remains in Pittsburgh — even as questions about his performance and future continue to grow.