"Whole Charade": Steelers' Patrick Queen Gets Honest About Trade Rumors

The Pittsburgh Steelers have consistently had one of the highest-paid defenses in the NFL throughout the course of the last several seasons. Unfortunately, the unit hasn't played up to expectations, with inconsistencies at nearly every position causing issues for the team as a whole. One player who hasn't performed as well as many had hoped is Patrick Queen. The inside linebacker hasn't necessarily been bad, but he also is entering the final year of the three-year deal he signed in 2024 free agency. Recent reports state that the front office is not considering an extension at this time.

There was also plenty of speculation in March that the Steelers were considering trading Queen to the Dallas Cowboys. Nothing ever came to fruition, which is why the defender is expected to remain in the black and gold for the 2026 campaign. The team did not decide to draft an inside linebacker, so that pretty much solidified the plans to keep the veteran around for at least another year.

A slightly new defensive scheme is set to come into play with Mike Tomlin gone, and it's possible that this change could be beneficial for someone like Queen. Patrick Graham is known to preach about communication, something that is vital for the defensive signal-caller.

On Thursday at Organized Team Activities (OTAs), Steelers media had the opportunity to speak with Queen about the offseason and much more. Chris Adamski posted a clip to X of the linebacker answering a question about potential contract talks with Pittsburgh. It really does seem as if the 2026 season will be Queen's last in the Steel City.

"Yeah, it was talks here and there, nothing crazy," Queen said. "Obviously, I seen the whole charade that went on this offseason, but I mean, it's talks, obviously, no movement either way. At the end of the day, they got business to handle, I got business to handle. My business is to go out there and play the best football I can and put myself in a good position, put our team in a good position, so we both can be successful."

When Queen refers to a charade, it's likely that he was referring to the reports that suggested he was potentially going to be traded. That can't sit well with any player; however, Pittsburgh is set to welcome the linebacker back to remain as a crucial piece on the defense. It doesn't mean that he is thrilled with his situation, though, especially because he has no contract after this season.

It will be pivotal for Queen to have a stout third season in Pittsburgh. If he does, he will earn himself another sizable contract while also making the Steelers regret not giving him an extension. His words to the media on Thursday, however, did come off as a bit worrisome. His tone did not exactly sound happy about the situation, which could eventually boil over into frustration on the field and in the locker room if not handled correctly.

At the end of the day, Queen should be the one wearing the green dot on his helmet for the defense in 2026. The unit will need his leadership more than ever, and communication is expected to be emphasized. He has the choice of letting an offseason full of rumors bother him, or he can go out and have one of the best years of his career to earn another payday come 2027.

Steelers' Front Office Is Dealing With A Lot Of Contract Drama

Queen is likely the least of the worries for Pittsburgh's decision-makers because so many other players are going to be free agents in 2027, barring extensions occurring. Joey Porter Jr., Nick Herbig, and Darnell Washington just to name a few. Queen has barely been mentioned and that could lead to the disastrous situation of him requesting a trade in the summer. If that were to occur, the Steelers would seriously be lacking depth at insider linebacker.

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