Full Breakdown
Patrick Queen’s Contract Situation as the Steelers Enter the 2025 Season
5/31/2026, 11:58:37 PM
Contract Talks and Trade Rumors
Linebacker Patrick Queen entered the 2025 season in the final year of his three-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers. The contract carries a $17.2 million cap hit. Sources reported that the Steelers could save $13.3 million in cap space if they trade Queen after the June 1 trade deadline, but the player emphasized that “there’s talks… obviously, no movement either way.” He described the offseason chatter as a “charade” and said his priority is to “play the best football” he can.
Performance Background
Queen, 26, has been a durable presence since entering the league, logging 101 consecutive starts and posting 100-tackle seasons in five of his six NFL years. He earned two Pro Bowl selections and led the Steelers in tackles in 2024. However, recent analytical reviews highlighted a decline: Pro Football Focus (PFF) assigned him an overall grade of 43.5 for the 2025 season, with a tackling grade of 30.1 and a coverage grade of 32.4, both among the lowest for qualifying players. He missed 20.4 % of his tackle attempts and allowed 74 receptions on 93 targets for 829 yards, three touchdowns, and a 114.6 passer rating in coverage.
Data & Statistics
- Cap hit (2025): $17.2 million
- Potential trade savings: $13.3 million (post-June 1)
- Career starts: 101 consecutive
- 2025 tackles: 120 (second on the team)
- PFF overall grade (2025): 43.5
- Tackling grade: 30.1; Coverage grade: 32.4
- Missed tackle attempts: 20.4 %
- Coverage stats: 74 receptions, 829 yards, 3 TDs, 114.6 passer rating allowed
Official Statements & Responses
Queen told reporters that his representatives have had “nothing crazy” in discussions with the Steelers about an extension. He framed the situation as a business transaction for both parties, noting that the team has “business to handle” and his own focus is on on-field performance. He dismissed speculation fueled by social media, describing it as “people rambling” with “very few facts out there.” Queen added that he is “cool” with either staying for the final year or receiving a new deal.
Criticism & Opposition
Analysts from stillcurtain.com argued that Queen’s 2025 performance made him a “liability,” citing his low PFF grades and poor coverage metrics. The piece suggested that, despite his age, the Steelers should prioritize other players for contract extensions and consider moving on from Queen after the season.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Queen’s current value: mainstream coverage highlights his durability, Pro Bowl pedigree, and role in the defense, while analytical commentary emphasizes a sharp decline in effectiveness. No official comment from the Steelers organization has been released, leaving the team’s definitive stance on a trade or extension unclear.
Verbatim Quotes
- “I saw the whole charade that went on all this offseason, but I mean it’s talks. Obviously, no movement either way,” — Patrick Queen, Linebacker, Pittsburgh Steelers
- “Some of it was true, but some of it was extended truth, just people rambling and stuff,” — Patrick Queen
- “You know, everybody wants the first say whatever happens — and wants to hope to be right.” — Patrick Queen
- “So at the end of the day, I couldn’t care less. If they do want to extend, cool. If not, cool. At the end of the day, it’s as a business.” — Patrick Queen
What’s Next
The Steelers must decide before the June 1 deadline whether to retain Queen, negotiate an extension, or pursue a trade that would free $13.3 million in cap space. The outcome will shape the linebacker corps as Pittsburgh transitions to a post-Mike Tomlin era under new head coach Mike McCarthy.
