The Pittsburgh Steelers have navigated the free agency whirlwind with some impressive additions to bolster their roster for 2026. As they dive into Pro Day and Top 30 visits, the anticipation for more strategic moves is palpable.
With a hefty 12 draft picks in their arsenal, it's unlikely that General Manager Omar Khan plans to use them all. This suggests potential trades are on the horizon, possibly bringing in key contributors by leveraging some of that draft capital.
Previously, there was buzz about the Steelers shopping linebacker Patrick Queen, exploring what they might gain in return. However, those rumors have quieted down.
As ESPN's Todd Archer highlighted, Queen's performance last season, despite racking up 120 tackles, didn't meet expectations according to several scouts. With a base salary of $10.83 million this year, the situation is less than ideal for Pittsburgh.
Khan has expressed his appreciation for Queen, but actions often speak louder than words. The Steelers were reportedly in talks with the Dallas Cowboys about a potential trade, but negotiations stalled. This hesitation from other teams could indicate concerns about Queen's recent drop in performance.
If these reports hold true, it's a tough break for Queen. The Steelers may be holding onto him not out of desire, but because his trade value has plummeted. It seems Khan was aiming for a Day 2 pick, while other teams were only willing to offer a fifth-rounder.
Queen is set to remain for the final year of his contract, largely due to a lack of interest in the trade market. If the Steelers were indeed trying to move him aggressively, it suggests that scouts' critiques of his performance might hold weight.
Queen's season was a rollercoaster, with moments of brilliance reminiscent of his Baltimore Ravens days, and others where he seemed out of sync. While not disastrous, his performance left room for improvement. The Steelers' attempts to trade him to Dallas before his contract expired indicate they shared this sentiment.
Despite the ups and downs, keeping Queen might be the smarter play for Pittsburgh. He's the defensive quarterback, the go-to three-down linebacker, familiar with all the signals-a crucial asset as the team transitions with a new defensive staff. Working alongside Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham, there's hope for a more streamlined defense that plays to the strengths of its players.
Queen's struggles may have been exacerbated by Mike Tomlin's complex schemes. Graham, known for his adaptability, could simplify the defense, allowing everyone to elevate their game after a disappointing 2025. In this context, retaining Queen is more valuable than trading him for a low draft pick.