The Pittsburgh Steelers are reportedly gearing up to trade one of their starting linebackers this offseason, and eyes are on Patrick Queen. With interest potentially brewing from the Philadelphia Eagles, New York Giants, and Denver Broncos, this could be a move that shakes up the linebacker landscape.
Patrick Queen, once a standout in the league, signed a hefty three-year, $41 million deal with the Steelers back in 2024. However, his performance hasn't quite matched the expectations set by that contract, and now he's heading into the final year of it. The buzz around Queen's departure stems from a report by Nick Harris, who notes that after a challenging 2025 season, both Queen and Pittsburgh are looking to part ways.
When Queen is firing on all cylinders, he's an average run defender but truly shines in coverage, as seen with his 2023 Pro Football Focus grades of 64.8 for run defense and 74.8 for coverage. His prowess as a blitzing linebacker remains a constant, highlighted by a solid 74.3 grade in 2025.
Initially, both the Dallas Cowboys and Eagles showed interest in Queen, but Dallas has since stepped back from the table. The Eagles, on the other hand, have good reason to stay engaged. With Nakobe Dean leaving in free agency, Philadelphia's linebacker corps, led by Jihaad Campbell and Zack Baun, could use a boost.
The Giants are in a similar boat. They brought in Tremaine Edmunds to fill Bobby Okereke's shoes and re-signed Micah McFadden. However, McFadden's recent injury woes might leave New York seeking additional depth and reliability.
Over in Denver, the Broncos have parted ways with Dre Greenlaw, leaving them with Justin Strnad and Alex Singleton as starters. Strnad is a key special teams contributor but has yet to establish himself as a full-time starter, making Queen an attractive option.
While trading Queen might seem like a stretch for the Steelers, given their lack of immediate replacements, the situation remains fluid and worth keeping an eye on. Harris' report suggests that movement could be on the horizon, adding an intriguing layer to the offseason drama.