The Pittsburgh Steelers are at a crossroads, facing their most pivotal offseason in two decades. With legendary coach Mike Tomlin stepping down, the team is not only searching for a new leader but also reevaluating its roster—and some big names might be on the chopping block. Among them is linebacker Patrick Queen, whose future with the team is now in serious question.
According to Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Queen could be on his way out. Appearing on 93.7 The Fan, Fittipaldo predicted that the Steelers will likely cut ties with Queen to make room for younger talent like Payton Wilson or Malik Harrison. But here's where it gets controversial: While Queen’s departure would free up over $12 million in cap space for 2026, it also leaves a glaring hole at linebacker—a position already thin on proven talent. And this is the part most people miss: Queen’s performance in 2025, marked by 31 missed tackles and a PFF grade of just 44 (ranking him 78th out of 88 linebackers), has raised questions about his value versus his cost.
Is cutting Queen a smart financial move, or is it a risky gamble that weakens an already vulnerable defense? The Steelers will need to act fast if they do let him go, likely drafting or signing a replacement to fill the void. As the team navigates this critical offseason, one thing is clear: change is coming, and it won’t be without debate.
What do you think? Is cutting Patrick Queen the right move for the Steelers, or should they find another way to balance the books? Let us know in the comments below—this is one conversation you won’t want to miss!
