The Pittsburgh Steelers made several key additions on both sides of the ball this offseason. Whether it was trading for wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr., signing cornerback Jamel Dean and running back Rico Dowdle in free agency, or drafting Max Iheanachor and Germie Bernard with their first two picks in the 2026 NFL Draft, the roster is certainly more talented than it was at the end of last season.
Still, there are sore spots that they may have been able to address had they been more creative and overall aggressive. Linebacker is the position that now stands out as a potential weak link for Pittsburgh, and there were opportunities this offseason to try and make a much-needed change.
Rumors were circulating earlier this year that Patrick Queen could potentially be traded, freeing up plenty of cap space and giving Pittsburgh the chance to find an upgrade to pair with Payton Wilson. Nothing materialized, and Queen himself called the rumors a "charade" recently. Regardless of what is true, however, moving on from Queen would have been (and still is) the right move.
The Pittsburgh Steelers could come to regret not trying harder to upgrade over Patrick Queen
The 2026 free agency period, as has become normal, was lacking in difference-making talent at most positions. Linebacker, however, was flush with quality starters, including a few that have outperformed Queen since he arrived in Pittsburgh back in 2024.
Devin Lloyd, Tremaine Edmunds, Nakobe Dean, Quay Walker, and Kaden Ellis all signed deals either right around the same or less than what Queen got two years ago. Throw in a player who could shine in a bigger role, like Leo Chenal, and you have half a dozen players who could have been potential upgrades without breaking the bank.
Not only that, but Queen's durability and past reputation could have netted a decent draft pick to add to the Steelers' war chest for 2027, a year that could include a swing at a new franchise QB. The former All-Pro has simply been far too unreliable as a tackler and a disaster in coverage to justify his over $17 million cap hit for 2026.
Maybe new defensive coordinator Patrick Graham can help Queen finally develop the instincts he has lacked his entire career, but it sure seems like he will never become more than a great athlete who occasionally flashes elite play.
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