Steelers Making A Shocking Patrick Queen Trade Isn't Off The Table Just Yet

The Pittsburgh Steelers have been a part of a plethora of trade rumors and speculations throughout the 2026 NFL offseason. General Manager Omar Khan and the front office have made it a point that they want to remain a top competitor and are willing to build the roster to be a playoff team. The upcoming NFL Draft will be a huge determinant of how the Steelers' youth wave will help their future. Khan could continue to fix some holes within the current roster to bolster their chances of being an elite team. 

A player who has been surrounded by trade rumors in the 2026 offseason is inside linebacker Patrick Queen. Queen was signed to a three-year, $41 million contract in March 2024. 2026 will be the last year of his deal, and it is one of the motivating factors to potentially move on from him. He was a Second-team All-Pro selection during his time with the Baltimore Ravens, and at the time of his signing in Pittsburgh, he was considered by many to be a steal. Queen's time in the Steel City has been rocky thus far, however. 

His production, at his price, has been a cause for concern from many Steelers fans. The Pittsburgh defense has a long history of accomplished linebackers, and many hoped for Queen to join that list, but it doesn't seem to be going that direction. In a recent chat with fans, Steelers beat writer Christopher Carter exposed that the Steelers tried shopping the former Pro Bowl linebacker, and that his future is still uncertain. 

"From what I've heard, the Steelers did shop Queen, but didn't get the price they wanted. I'd say Queen [could be traded] if someone all of a sudden thinks they need a starting linebacker and was willing to cough up draft capital," Carter wrote.

Carter's comments come as a surprise, as many believed that Queen couldn't be shopped based on his price and his production as of late. Pittsburgh could look to move on from his contract and add some youth to the spot instead. The Black and Gold need a linebacker who can be a hard-hitter, who runs downhill, and who can shed blockers with ease. Moving on from Queen could prove to be difficult, based on the fact that he'll be a free agent in 2027, and the idea that he might not be a positive addition to anyone's defense anymore.

Queen could be a very valuable part of the Steelers' defensive identity in 2026, should he return to his All-Pro form. One thing that could help him is a change at defensive coordinator. The Steelers let go of 2025's DC Teryl Austin and have made way for a new hire in Patrick Graham to take the reins. Austin's defense seemingly limited a lot of Pittsburgh's stars last season, as his schemes were questionable at times. Graham has the golden opportunity to reinvigorate Queen, as he is playing in a contract year, and has been revolving in trade rumors.

The Steelers' linebacker room would be relatively inept if Queen were to be shipped elsewhere. They have a solid amount of depth, but Queen is clearly the best talent in the room. If he were to be traded, Pittsburgh would need to be sure that they have a plan in place to replace Queen's impact. This could look like one of the Steelers' 12 draft picks being used on a rookie inside linebacker. 

The Steelers' Defense Needs Their Vets To Perform

With a new coordinator, the Steelers' vets have a fresh start with a new system. The defense was one of the league's oldest in 2025. They'll need their star vets like Queen, TJ Watt, and Cam Heyward to be productive if they want to be one of the league's top units in 2026. 

If the Steelers' defense comes back to form, they'll be a tough team to stop.

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