Pittsburgh Steelers
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Steelers get clear update on Patrick Queen's future.
As the NFL Draft is fast approaching, so is the opportunity for the Pittsburgh Steelers to extend some of their top free-agents-to-be. One of the team’s most notable free-agents-to-be is Pro Bowl linebacker Patrick Queen. The 26-year-old is in his prime and looking for his next payday. After starting his career with the arch-rival Baltimore Ravens, Queen signed a three-year deal worth $41 million with the Steelers in 2024.
However, this could be Queen’s final year with the team. According to insider Mark Kaboly, the former first-round pick is unlikely to be extended over notable future free agents such as cornerback Joey Porter Jr., kicker Chris Boswell, and tight end Darnell Washington.
Patrick Queen Likely Won’t Be With the Pittsburgh Steelers Beyond 2026
Patrick Queen
GettyPatrick Queen won a national title with LSU in 2019.
Here is what Kaboly wrote about the chances of Queen being re-signed beyond the 2026 season:
“There were rumors about Queen being on the trading block early in the offseason, but those were not substantiated. Queen is young and productive, but it would be hard to imagine they would extend him over the aforementioned players.”
Again, those aforementioned players Kaboly chatted about were Porter, Boswell, Washington, edge-rusher Nick Herbig, and defensive tackle Keeanu Benton. So, it appears as though the organization may have an uphill battle ahead if it wants to bring back one of the stars in the middle of it’s defense.
Queen has not missed a game in his entire six-year NFL career. In fact, he has started 107 of the total 108 games that he has played in, including playoffs. In five of his six NFL seasons, he has recorded 100+ tackles. He has over 50 career tackles for loss and over 25 career pass deflections. He is one of the best inside linebackers in football, which is why it might be somewhat stunning if he ends up on a new team.
Could the Steelers Opt to Give Patrick Queen a Major Deal After 2026?
Omar Khan Calvin Anderson
GettySteelers GM Omar Khan currently has 12 draft picks at his disposal.
Could there be an outside chance that the Steelers sign Queen to a massive deal if he has a big 2026? Anything is certainly possible, especially if new head coach Mike McCarthy and the rest of the regime see him show off his skills from start to finish.
However, the Steelers, as things stand right now, have 12 draft picks at their disposal, along with over $27 million in cap space. If the team wants to find some sort of replacement for him this offseason, it will have plenty of opportunities to do just that.
But heading into the 2026 season, the Steelers have a great chance to be contenders with plenty of veterans on both sides of the football. With what he has put on tape each of the last couple of seasons in the Steel City, Queen is one of those big names. If he can perform at a high level under new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham’s leadership, the Steelers may have a chance to go far in 2026. Plus, the former All-Pro selection could set himself up for a nice payday.