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Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay called Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen, who the Dallas Cowboys showed interest in early in the offseason, a potential draft trade candidate.
Pundits have speculated about whether the Dallas Cowboys could trade up in the 2026 NFL Draft. Such a blockbuster move could land the Cowboys an offensive star such as running back Jeremiyah Love. But another scenario exists — the Cowboys trading for a veteran linebacker, such as Patrick Queen, during the NFL Draft next month.
Bleacher Report’s Alex Kay presented the possibility of Queen being available on March 31.
Kay included Queen on a list of five “under-the-radar” trade candidates who could be on the move during the draft.
“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,” wrote Kay.
“Queen, a 2020 first-round pick by the Baltimore Ravens, underwhelmed in 2025 after making back-to-back Pro Bowl appearances the prior two seasons. While he remained a 17-game starter and contributed a solid 120 tackles on the year, he struggled significantly in coverage and against the run…
“Despite the regression and a $13.3 million salary, Queen should have some interested suitors arise during the 2026 NFL draft.”
The Dallas Morning-News’s Calvin Watkins reported on March 27 the Cowboys showed interest in Queen early in the offseason. The Fort Worth Star-Telegram’s Nick Harris wrote on March 13 that a trade involving the linebacker “seems imminent.”
Last season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Queen posted 120 combined tackles, including eight tackles for loss. He also had five quarterback hits, four pass defenses and one forced fumble.
Could Cowboys Revisit Patrick Queen Trade Scenario?
Other than the previous interest, Kay didn’t mention the Cowboys as a specific potential destination for Queen. But it does make sense to link the linebacker to Dallas if we’re going to continue to speculate about Queen’s future in Pittsburgh.
The Cowboys haven’t addressed inside linebacker on their defense this offseason. Dallas has to do that to become a contender in the NFC East next season.
Last year, the Cowboys were 30th in yards allowed and last in points yielded. That won’t significantly improve unless Dallas adds a leader to the middle of its defense.
The Cowboys could do that in the first round of the draft. Dallas owns the No. 12 and 20 overall picks. But Queen would bring veteran leadership and experience.
While some have argued Queen has regressed in Pittsburgh, he’s still made the Pro Bowl twice in the past three seasons. Queen also earned second-team All-Pro honors in 2023.
Over his six-year career, he’s averaged 118 combined tackles with 8.5 tackles for loss and four pass defenses per season. Queen has also never missed a game because of injury.
Would the Steelers Trade Queen?
Cowboys insiders have billed Dallas as a potential landing spot for Queen. That’s because the Cowboys have shown interest in acquiring him.
However, Steelers insiders telling Pittsburgh’s side of a potential Queen trade have indicated the Steelers aren’t very interested in dealing the inside linebacker.
“I don’t quite get the fans’ discontent with Queen. It is not shared by the Steelers,” The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Dulac wrote in a fan chat on March 11. “Teams get offers all the time. The Steelers got them last year about T.J. Watt.
“Here’s what I make of ’em — they’re rumors.”
ESPN’s Adam Schefter confirmed that while appearing on The Pat McAfee Show on March 10.
“The Pittsburgh Steelers say they’re not interested in moving on from him,” said Schefter.
The Queen trade rumors appear to stem from the fact there is interest from teams, including the Cowboys. Because teams are interested, there could continue to be Queen trade rumors from Bleacher Report and others.
But there’s no concrete report from a Steelers beat writer that Pittsburgh is serious about shopping the linebacker on the trade market.
The Cowboys can hold out hope that changes. However, it’s likely the Cowboys will have to find an upgrade at linebacker elsewhere.
Dave Holcomb is a sports reporter covering the NFL and MLB for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Pittsburgh Steelers, Philadelphia Eagles and Detroit Lions. Originally from Pittsburgh, Holcomb has covered college and professional sports for outlets including FanSided, Rotowire and Yardbarker. More about Dave Holcomb
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