Pittsburgh Steelers General Manager Omar Khan took an early and often approach on Monday with the 2026 new league year nearing. The legal tampering period started, and the front office in the Steel City made a plethora of moves, which included re-signing internal free agents, going after external ones, and getting involved in the trade market as well. It is a brand new era with Mike McCarthy now being in charge of the locker room, and the organization has not been shy about making some strong moves. There are still holes to fill, which will lead to the decision-makers continuing a rather aggressive strategy.
Matt Freed / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers' new head coach Mike McCarthy smiles as he addresses the media during his introductory press conference that took place at Acrisure Stadium in Pittsburgh, PA.
One area that needs to be addressed at some point is the inside linebacker room. While the organization has several players under contract — including Cole Holcomb, who agreed to sign a fresh two-year deal — the Steelers had inconsistent play from the unit in 2025. This could still lead to some revamping of the group, and it very well may start with the defensive signal-caller.
It was reported multiple times on Monday that Pittsburgh was entertaining the idea of trading Patrick Queen. While nothing has come to fruition just yet, many are curious as to what teams may be calling to the Steel City. The Dallas Cowboys were allegedly at the front of the pack, but new reports suggest the asking price may be too high for Jerry Jones' liking, per team reporter Jane Slater.
"Seems like the Patrick Queen idea may have hit a snag," Slater wrote on X. "Was told no updates as of this hour and on him specifically. 'Probably not going there.'"
Late on Monday evening, other reports suggested that the Steelers were asking for a mid-round selection for the defender. It's possible that Khan is being rather stubborn, and hoping to net a fourth-rounder for Queen. Additionally, Pittsburgh doesn't need any more draft capital in 2026, so a sticking point could be the Steelers' front office wanting a 2027 pick.
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Steelers General Manager Omar Khan speaks during an interview as he sits down while at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, IN.
This doesn't necessarily mean that Pittsburgh is going to pass on trading Queen. However, the organization has a couple of days left until his 2026 roster bonus is due. It may take some time to come to fruition, especially because there isn't a specific deadline in the next 24 hours or so. Pittsburgh would likely be targeting an inside linebacker in the draft, but could also have plans to sign a free agent right when Queen is hypothetically on his way out.
Khan has been fearless in the trade market since being promoted to be the franchise's general manager. Now, with McCarthy running the locker room, there's a legitimate possibility that the new dynamic duo doesn't see Queen as an essential piece to the 2026 puzzle. Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham could also think it's a good idea to part ways with the veteran.
With a new coaching staff often comes some kind of roster turnover. It's never really known who will be at risk until it actually happens, but these reports suggest that Queen is on a list that Khan, McCarthy, and maybe even Graham put together. The re-signing of Holcomb provided the defense with necessary depth, but the Steelers could be back to square one if Queen is indeed dealt to Dallas, or somewhere else.
One name to keep an eye on is Logan Wilson, who played for Dallas in 2025 after being acquired at the trade deadline. Recently, he was let go by the Cowboys and is currently a free agent.
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Steelers inside linebacker Patrick Queen (6) and edge rusher TJ Watt (90) walk on the field as the team works out during a 2025 training camp practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Steelers Are Letting Khan Have Full Reign In 2026 Offseason
There were often questions about just how much say Mike Tomlin had in roster and personnel decisions while he was the coach in Pittsburgh for 19 seasons. McCarthy is a veteran who knows a lot about the game of football, but Khan has a better feel for the roster based on where it was entering the 2026 offseason. It's clear that he is taking a very specific approach. McCarthy is absolutely in the loop; however, the general manager seems to be calling the shots.
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