The Pittsburgh Steelers have been busy right from the start of the NFL negotiation period. After securing wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. through a trade, they locked in cornerback Jamel Dean with a three-year deal. But the buzz around the Steelers doesn’t stop there.
Rumor has it that an unexpected move might be on the horizon. Andrew Fillipponi from 93.7 The Fan shared that his co-host, Chris Mueller, has heard whispers about the Dallas Cowboys reaching out to the Steelers regarding a potential trade for linebacker Patrick Queen. While it's just a rumor for now, it's certainly enough to get Steelers fans talking.
Queen's 2025 season was a rollercoaster, with moments of brilliance overshadowed by struggles in coverage and tackling. His missed tackle rate stood at a concerning 20.4 percent, placing him among the league's least reliable.
Pro Football Focus highlighted his difficulties, noting he allowed 74 receptions on 94 targets, leading to 829 yards and three touchdowns. Opposing quarterbacks had a field day, posting a passer rating of 114.1 when targeting him.
With a PFF overall grade of 43.5, Queen ranked 79th out of 88 linebackers, and his coverage grade was a dismal 32.4, placing him near the bottom. Adding to the challenge, Queen is heading into the final year of his contract with a hefty $17.19 million cap hit. Cutting him could save the Steelers $13.33 million, yet they’ve held off, possibly eyeing a trade opportunity.
For the right price and role, keeping Queen might still be on the table for some fans. However, after a tough season and with his significant cap number, trading him could be the smarter play. If the Steelers can find a trade partner, even if it means a player or late-round pick swap, it would be a strategic win for Omar Khan and the team.