While the focus is on the Pittsburgh Steelers' early haul after Wave 1 of free agency, Patrick Queen trade rumors are quietly heating up. And these aren't unfounded; talks are going on with multiple teams about acquiring the veteran linebacker.
One of those teams is the Dallas Cowboys. The Steelers and Cowboys have reportedly been in trade conversations regarding Queen, as Dallas is in win-now mode and currently has a desperate need for a starting linebacker. Unfortunately, the latest report points to a potential hold-up.
On Tuesday, NFL Network's Jane Slater posted an update on X that most Steelers fans probably didn't want to hear.
"Seems like the Patrick Queen idea may have hit a snag. Was told no updates as of this hour and on him specifically “probably not going there."
A potential Patrick Queen trade with the Dallas Cowboys could fall through for the Pittsburgh Steelers
Some early rumors suggested that the Cowboys might be willing to give up as high as a fourth-round pick for Queen's services, though this feels rich. Realistically, getting a fifth-rounder out of Queen might be on the table.
And considering how much Queen struggled last season, the Steelers should take anything they can get.
Unfortunately, it sounds like trade talks have hit a standstill, and if neither side is willing to budge, Pittsburgh could be left holding onto the veteran linebacker and his lofty $17.19 million cap number for the 2026 season—the final year of his contract.
Though Queen was healthy and never missed a game last season, he recorded a 20.4 percent missed tackle rate while allowing 829 yards and four touchdowns in coverage, per Pro Football Focus. This led to a dismal overall PFF grade of 43.5 last season (79th among 88 qualifying linebackers).
Fortunately, it sounds like 'multiple teams' are calling about a Patrick Queen trade. The Steelers won't be able to turn this into a bidding war anytime soon, but getting some sort of draft capital out of an underwhelming linebacker is better than nothing.
Could the Steelers do worse than Queen as a full-time linebacker next season? Sure, it's possible. But that's a chance most Steelers fans would be willing to take if it results in ditching one of the worst contracts on the team.
We'll keep our eyes peeled as the Queen trade rumors continue to unfold, and see if something materializes in the coming days. Queen has a $2.5 million roster bonus due on March 13, so a deal would likely have to be finalized by then.