There’s still a long way to go and a lot of football to be played between now and next offseason, but it’s never too early to look ahead.
That’s exactly what ESPN’s Matt Bowen did Thursday morning to what could potentially be a loaded free agency class in 2027. Within that potential free agency class, two key defenders for the Pittsburgh Steelers could find themselves available, and among the best at their respective positions.
For Bowen, that would be inside linebacker Patrick Queen and cornerback Joey Porter Jr.
Queen was among three inside linebackers Bowen highlighted who could be available, including Houston’s Azeez Al-Shaair and Washington’s Frankie Luvu.
“Queen has the run-and-chase ability to track the ball on the perimeter and hunt down screens. Plus, he can slice into the backfield on blitzes to make splash plays,” Bowen writes. “Queen could improve against the run game at the point of attack, but he has had over 100 tackles in four straight seasons.”
The veteran linebacker is entering the final year of the three-year deal he signed in March 2024, leaving Baltimore for Pittsburgh. His first two seasons in the Steel City have been hit or miss. Queen struggled in Year 1 despite playing every snap and handling the green-dot duties. Last season, he made some improvement and was more effective, though he did struggle in coverage once again.
Earlier this offseason, Queen has been the subject of some trade rumors, with Dallas reportedly checking in on his availability. The Steelers have stated multiple times they aren’t trading him and believe he’s a key piece under new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham. But with Queen entering the final year of his deal and the Steelers looking at ILBs in the pre-draft process things could change quickly.
Still, the expectation remains Queen will be the man in the middle and the hub of communication for the Steelers’ defense in 2026. After that, he could hit the open market at just 27 years old.
Then, there’s Porter, who was highlighted among three cornerbacks, including Baltimore’s Marlon Humphrey, and Philadelphia’s Riq Woolen.
“More of a ball disruptor than playmaker (three career interceptions), Porter’s 12 pass breakups in 2025 tied for the fifth most in the league. He has 25 over his three seasons in Pittsburgh,” Bowen writes. “Porter has the play demeanor to challenge in press coverage, plus the vision to locate the ball in zone coverage.”
Porter is entering the final year of his rookie contract, but all signs indicate that he will land a lucrative extension this summer after putting together a great third NFL season.
He was named one of the best perimeter cornerbacks in the NFL by Pro Football Focus earlier this offseason, and his play last season showed serious growth. Porter allowed just 32 receptions on 67 targets (47.8% completion rate) for 325 yards on the year, according to PFF.
Those numbers in coverage included one interception and a career-high 13 passes defensed. He also cleaned up penalty issues and performed like a true, lockdown cornerback down the stretch.
It seems very, very unlikely Porter will even come close to hitting the open market. But if he does, he’ll be one of the top corners available.
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