Jerry Jones’ Dallas Cowboys made a second run at Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebackerPatrick Queen this offseason, and again came away empty-handed after submitting a trade offer that Pittsburgh deemed insufficient and disrespectful.
According toSteeler Nation’s Anthony Halkias II, the Cowboys owner contacted Steelers head coach Mike McCarthy to gauge interest in a Queen deal. The offer, a third-round pick, did not meet Pittsburgh’s asking price.
Jerry Jones’ ‘Disrespectful’ Trade Offer for 26-Year-Old Pro Bowler
Dec 7, 2025; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen (6) reacts after a defensive stop against the Baltimore Ravens during the second half at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images
Queen, 26, is entering the final year of a three-year, $41 million contract with a $17.2 million cap hit. Moving him before June 1 would free up $13.3 million in cap space, but Pittsburgh’s front office has publicly maintained that Queen is not available. The Steelers signed him specifically to pull him away from division rival Baltimore Ravens, a transaction that carries added organizational weight.
This was not Dallas’ first attempt. In mid-March, the Cowboys surfaced as a suitor before withdrawing, according toNick Harris of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, who reported at the time that the team pulled out of preliminary discussions. Returning weeks later with a below-market offer left Pittsburgh with an easy decision.
The third-round pick Dallas offered may be the No. 92 selection, acquired from the San Francisco 49ers in the Osa Odighizuwa trade, or a future pick. Pittsburgh is well aware of its value, having sent its own 2026 third-rounder to Dallas last year as part of the George Pickens trade. The Steelers are not inclined to accept a similar-caliber pick for a $41 million starter.
Queen’s recent social media activity added texture to the situation. He removed the Steelers’ banner from his profile and replaced it with a quote about self-worth. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reporter Gerry Dulacdismissed the broader speculation as rumor, though Steelers Depot’s Dave Bryanidentified one narrow path to a deal. If Dallas misses on linebacker prospect Sonny Styles at pick No. 12 and trades back, Queen could factor into a broader package.
Jerry Jones eyes draft solutions after two failed bids at linebacker
With draft week approaching, Jones acknowledged he is willing to be active. Holding picks No. 12 and No. 20 but no second-round selection, the Cowboys have limited flexibility to address needs through conventional means.
Jerry Jones said at the league meetings that trading up or down remains a live option. He noted that having multiple picks consistently produces better outcomes. Some analysts have connected Dallas to Notre Dame running back Jeremiyah Love or Miami defensive end Reuben Bain Jr. in the first round.
Dallas added depth at cornerback, defensive tackle and safety in free agency, but signed only rotational linebacker Tyrus Wheat. Two failed bids at Queen leave the position unresolved as the draft opens.