The Pittsburgh Steelers are turning a new leaf as they head into the 2026 season with a brand-new head coach and staff. The 2025 squad clawed its way into the playoffs and won the AFC North. However, the team was beaten badly in the Wild Card Round, which led to former head coach Mike Tomlin stepping down. This forced the Steelers to go with veteran head coach Mike McCarthy. After the previous coaching staff's shortcomings were often used as a rationale for the Black and Gold's poor performances in the playoffs, they'll have no excuse this season. Under a new staff and an improved roster, the 2026 outlook is bright.
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Steelers' Mike McCarthy during his introductory press conference as he becomes the face of a new regime in the Steel City.
Under the new direction of the coaching staff, the league's second-oldest and highest-paid defense in 2025 will have to step up. The group was among the league's worst in most categories, and relied on turnovers to bail them out. The communication was often poor and caused a lot of confusion, which allowed touchdowns for the opposition. The goal now is to streamline that communication, and that starts with coaches and then the players.
The primary communicator on the defense, the green dot linebacker, is responsible for ensuring everyone is on the same page when the game is in play. For the Steelers, that is Patrick Queen. Queen has had an up-and-down stint with the Black and Gold. He'll be playing in the final year of his three-year deal in 2026. There are plenty of questions about whether the team will bring him back or not. Steelers insider Mark Kaboly gave his thoughts on a segment on 93.7 The Fan, where he was asked if this would be Queen's final year with the team.
"I think so, yes. I don't think Queen's coming back. I think Queen knows he doesn't wanna come back," Kaboly said.
Queen was considered a steal when he was signed in 2024. The former Second Team All-Pro had tremendous success with the Baltimore Ravens before he made his way to the Steel City. In his two seasons with the Steelers, he hasn't made too many splash plays, and his run-stopping abilities have been hit or miss.
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Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen scouts the Green Bay Packers offense before the snap during Week 8 of the 2025 NFL Season.
Queen has found himself in an interesting situation, where his play will dictate his contract not only for the Steelers, but in general. He has had an underwhelming couple of years, and he'll need to prove there's plenty in the tank. The two-time Pro Bowler will have the opportunity under a new defensive coordinator and staff to really show his stuff. The commander of the defense will have to be a leader with an inside linebacker group that lacks depth.
The defense will need his services to get back to the quality of play that they have been known for the past few years. The Steelers are better when their linebackers are flying all over the field, and this season will be vital in addressing the future of the position.
The Steelers' Inside Linebacker Room Has A Lot Of Questions
Not only does Queen have a lot to prove, but the room as a whole has a lot of room for improvement. Payton Wilson has yet to take the big leap forward that many have hoped for; he has been largely inconsistent. He'll need to get better for the room to get better, too. Behind Queen and Wilson, the depth isn't a strong point. Malik Harrison and Cole Holcomb follow, and while the two are decent, they're not necessarily starter-caliber, in case Queen or Wilson go down or aren't playing well.
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Payton Wilson takes part in practice for the Steelers during the 2026 offseason.
The future of the position is a huge thing for the front office to think about after the 2026 season, as Queen will be a free agent, and Wilson will be looking for an eventual extension. A lot is riding on this position group.
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