Steelers insider expects Pittsburgh to cut Patrick Queen
The Pittsburgh Steelers are entering their most crucial offseason in two decades, as they will hire a new head coach for the first time since 2007 after Mike Tomlin stepped down. Additionally, the Steelers will make several changes to their roster between now and training camp in late July, and a few of those changes could involve the departures of key players.
One name to keep an eye on is linebacker Patrick Queen. The former Raven will be entering the final season of the three-year deal he signed in 2024, which could lead the Steelers to part ways with him. This is what Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette expects to happen.
Appearing on 93.7 The Fan in Pittsburgh, Fittipaldo predicts the Steelers will cut Queen to make room for a bigger role for Payton Wilson and/or Malik Harrison.
Excellent Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo projects in his annual offseason column that the Steelers will CUT LB Patrick Queen.
- Andrew Fillipponi (@ThePoniExpress) January 23, 2026
Queen has a $17 million cap hit for 2026. He's entering the final year of his contract.
Not a good signing. pic.twitter.com/rMNPKcXKKV
Should the Steelers cut Queen, they save just over $12 million on the cap in 2026. Considering the lack of proven talent behind Queen, it would be reasonable to expect the Steelers to make a corresponding move at the position should they trade or cut him.
Per PFF, Queen had 31 missed tackles in 2025 and was given a grade of 44, which ranked 78th out of 88 linebackers.
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