Fans Get Clarity From Omar Khan On Patrick Queen's Uncertain Future With The Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the team's that is projected to have some of the most selections in the 2026 NFL Draft. The franchise will likely have 12 picks, although some of those will certainly be traded as 12 selections is a lot to make in one event. There are some spots on the roster that are absolutely going to be addressed as wide receiver, defensive line, cornerback, and left guard all need to be upgraded. There are some other spots fans should be keeping a close eye as well. That includes safety, and potentially even inside linebacker as it didn't seem like Patrick Queen was too happy in Pittsburgh after the 2025 season ended.

Queen signed a three-year deal with the Steelers during the 2024 offseason, and it was the largest contract given out by the organization in team free agency history. He was coming off of an All-Pro season with the Baltimore Ravens in the year prior, but he has not been able to return to that form since coming to Pittsburgh. He has had a handful of games where he has looked amazing, but more often than not, his play is average or below-average. 

General Manager Omar Khan was asked about the inside linebacker during a media scrum on Tuesday morning, and he spoke highly of the linebacker.

"He likes being here and we like having him part of the team," Khan said. "I'm excited to have him around."

It seemed like there was a high chance that Queen could be traded or cut during the 2026 offseason, but Khan's comments suggest that the franchise is happy to have him in Pittsburgh. The general manager's comments did not make it seem like there was any chance that there would be a breakup between Pittsburgh and Queen, but he has also spoken highly about players he has wound up moving on from in the past.

Khan spoke about having all of the faith in the world in quarterback Kenny Pickett at the start of the 2024 offseason. He eventually traded Pickett to the Philadelphia Eagles, so it is important not to put too much stake into comments from any executives or coaches from around the league during this time of the year year. Granted, Pickett did request a trade, but the notion still applies.

The bottom line is that Queen has left a ton to be desired on the field since signing with the Steelers. His cap hit is over $17 million during the 2026 season, and his contract is easy to move on from. There would only be roughly $3 million in dead money if Pittsburgh released him, meaning the organization could save about $14 million against the cap by making a move. That could mean just releasing him, or Khan could try to trade him to bring in some more future draft capital.

Queen has been the green dot player on the defense for the last two seasons, and he is seen as a leader. Unless there is a player to bring in who is absolutely better than Queen, hanging onto the linebacker through the final year of his deal might make the most sense.

Steelers Have Not Gotten Enough Out Of Patrick Queen

When a player signs a contract like Queen did, expectations are going to be high. It is safe to say that the veteran linebacker has not met those expectations so far during his time with the Steelers. He has put up over 120 total tackles in each season, but his missed tackle rate has been concerning and he also has struggled to produce splash plays. He was known for his ability to play the ball in Baltimore, and that is something that has not been seen yet in Pittsburgh. The Steelers may consider giving Payton Wilson a larger role while also bringing in some young linebackers through the draft.

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