The Dallas Cowboys entered the 2026 offseason with a glaring weakness: a defense that struggled mightily at linebacker throughout the 2025 campaign. Unsurprisingly, trade rumors began swirling around potential upgrades, with Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen quickly emerging as a top speculative target.
Though speculation gained momentum in late March, the situation was far from simple. Calvin Watkins of The Dallas Morning News recently reported that the Cowboys had internally evaluated several linebacker options, including Queen, Nakobe Dean, and Quay Walker. The buzz intensified when a viral post claimed the team was zeroing in on Queen, stating, “The #Cowboys have interest in #Steelers LB Patrick Queen.”
Dallas’s need was undeniable. In 2025, Kenneth Murray and Shemar James both earned sub-40.0 grades from Pro Football Focus, ranking them among the league’s least effective starting duos. The Cowboys moved on from Murray, while Jack Sanborn and Logan Wilson—the latter retiring—also departed. DeMarvion Overshown now stands as the only guaranteed starter heading into 2026.
With Dean and Walker ultimately reuniting in Las Vegas, Queen became the most realistic trade target tied to Dallas. However, several hurdles stood in the way. Queen is set to earn $13.33 million in 2026 as part of the three-year, $41 million deal he signed with Pittsburgh in 2024. Additionally, his performance slipped last season, marked by a career-high 20.4% missed tackle rate and 829 yards allowed in coverage—red flags for a defense seeking stability.
On Pittsburgh’s side, the situation was equally complex. While Queen has remained productive with over 120 tackles in recent seasons, expectations are high. With a coaching change underway and long-term contract decisions on the horizon, trade rumors have lingered.
Ultimately, Dallas chose not to pursue a deal. Instead, the Cowboys are turning their attention to the 2026 NFL Draft, where a deep linebacker class offers the potential for a more affordable and sustainable solution. Timing also played a role: Pittsburgh already holds a full slate of draft picks, meaning any trade involving Queen would likely need to return future assets rather than additional mid-round selections in 2026. That mismatch in expectations may explain why talks never advanced.
For now, the Patrick Queen trade chatter has quieted. But with team needs still evolving and the draft approaching, this remains a storyline worth keeping an eye on.
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