On Tuesday, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler released his top 10 rankings for off-ball linebackers heading into the 2025 season, using data collected from 70 NFL coaches, executives, and scouts. While the list felt mostly accurate, one detail stood out for Pittsburgh fans: Patrick Queen didn’t crack the top 10.
Instead, the two-time Pro Bowler was listed as an honorable mention. Not a loss, necessarily—but definitely not a win either.
Let’s be honest. When the Steelers pulled Queen from the rival Baltimore Ravens in 2024 with a three-year deal, expectations skyrocketed. Pittsburgh paid him like a top-10 linebacker in the NFL, and that came with the expectations of performing like one.
Fans envisioned him as a cornerstone of Teryl Austin’s defense—a dynamic playmaker, a sideline-to-sideline leader, and maybe even the next great linebacker in black and gold.
But that vision hasn't quite come to life.
Queen’s contributions haven’t been poor by any means. He’s fast, physical, and brings energy. But there’s no denying he’s left more to be desired. In a defense built on tradition and anchored by greatness, Queen has struggled to establish himself as the guy.
Other linebackers like Fred Warner, Roquan Smith, and Zack Baun are making bigger impacts and receiving more recognition. That should be a red flag for Omar Khan and the Steelers front office.
The Pittsburgh Steelers must keep an eye on Patrick Queen during the 2025 season
Executives, coaches, and scouts' evaluation isn’t the end of the world, but it’s a wake-up call. The Pittsburgh Steelers and Patrick Queen must prioritize production, not just reputation.
The main takeaway: the Steelers should challenge Queen to raise his consistency and impact, or seriously consider alternative options at linebacker if improvement isn’t seen.
There’s still time. Queen’s under contract through the 2026 season, giving him room to elevate his game and prove he belongs among the league’s elite. Meanwhile, he's somehow still just 25 years old entering his sixth NFL training camp. But the clock is still ticking.
The Steelers can’t afford to keep investing in potential that doesn’t translate to dominant play on the field. Especially not at a position that’s so vital to the success of their defense.
To move forward, Queen must take ownership of the defense and emerge as a consistent playmaker. The Steelers should establish clear performance expectations for him this season and adjust his role if he underperforms.
If Queen wants to shake off the 'honorable mention' label, he and the Steelers must treat 2025 as a proving ground. They must demand more production, hold him accountable, and evaluate his fit in the system after this season based on performance.