The Pittsburgh Steelers started the 2026 offseason with a blockbuster trade for former Indianapolis Colts standout receiver Michael Pittman Jr, instantly bolstering the franchise’s receiving core.
Could another big-time trade come to fruition this offseason? Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay thinks so, not only citing that the franchise’s Pro Bowl 26-year-old Pro Bowl linebacker should be considered a trade candidate, but also noting that the Dallas Cowboys should be interested in the LSU product.
“Patrick Queen was one of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ marquee free-agent pickups two years ago, but he’s emerging as a potential trade target this offseason,” Kay wrote last Tuesday.
“While Queen still contributed at a high level in pass-rushing situations—recording 17 pressures and a sack on the year—his propensity for missed tackles (he was credited with 31 last year) and an expensive contract make him an obvious trade candidate.”
“Despite the regression and a $13.3 million salary, Queen should have some interested suitors arise during the 2026 NFL draft. While the Cowboys have thus far declined to pull the trigger on a trade, Dallas’ brass could put an offer on the table if the team doesn’t draft an off-ball linebacker next month.”
Queen’s 2025-26 campaign with the Steelers was respectable, but far from awe-inspiring. The 26-year-old finished the year with 120 total tackles, one sack, and one forced fumble in 17 contests.
That said, Queen’s skill set may be enough to convince the Cowboys to change their stance on the former first-round pick. Queen’s versatility, explosiveness, and lateral quickness are qualities that jump out while watching him contribute on the defensive side of the ball.
Coverage-wise, Queen isn’t where he needs to be, but he’s undoubtedly an asset the Cowboys should keep on their radar moving forward at the very least.
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