The Pittsburgh Steelers have several major roster needs ahead of free agency, but one need that isn't getting talked about enough comes at the off-ball linebacker position. Payton Wilson, who had his ups and downs in his second season in 2025, shows promise. However, Patrick Queen was a nightmare in 2025.
Queen, Pittsburgh's record-breaking free agent signing in 2024, proved to be a massive liability in coverage last season. PFF credited Queen for allowing 74 receptions, 829 yards, and a 114.1 passer rating in 2025. On top of this, Queen had a 20.4 percent missed tackle rate—one of the worst in the league.
The Steelers can get out of Queen's contract and instantly save $13.3 million in the process. Thankfully, there's already a perfect replacement in free agency hiding in plain sight: Leo Chenal.
The Pittsburgh Steelers should sign free-agent LB Leo Chenal
Chenal, a third-round pick by the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2022 NFL Draft, had an impressive four-year run to begin his NFL career. As a part-time linebacker, Chenal made the most of his opportunities with a nose for the football.
After recording three forced fumbles in 2024, Chenal recorded a pair of sacks and an interception last season. Meanwhile, Chenal graded out as a top-20 NFL linebacker in each of his past seasons, per Pro Football Focus. In comparison, Queen's 43.5 overall grade in 2025 ranked 79th among 88 qualifying linebackers.
Here's the best part: PFF projects that Chenal will earn a contract worth just $6 million per season in free agency.
Though Chenal is mostly a two-down, run-defender, this is an affordable contract projection for one of the best run-defending off-ball linebackers in the NFL. The Steelers had terrific success in 2024 with Elandon Roberts, and Chenal can be a younger and more athletic version of that player.
Chenal's skill set would also fit perfectly with Payton Wilson, who is better in space than taking on blocks. Wilson can step into the role as the green-dot linebacker and full-time starter with Chenal serving as the downhill thumper in base and nickel defensive packages.
By releasing Patrick Queen and signing Leo Chenal in free agency, the Steelers would be getting younger, better, and cheaper at the linebacker position. There's no reason this shouldn't be on general manager Omar Khan's to-do list in free agency.