Steelers' $41M Pro Bowl Trade Candidate Could Interest Cowboys

Linebacker Patrick Queen has emerged as a potential trade target for the Pittsburgh Steelers this offseason.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 4:12pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a football game or match, with sharp planes of color and form representing the action on the field without any identifiable players or teams.A cubist interpretation of a high-stakes defensive matchup between the Steelers and Cowboys, hinting at the potential trade dynamics surrounding linebacker Patrick Queen.Today in Pittsburgh

The Pittsburgh Steelers made a big splash in the 2026 offseason by trading for former Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. Now, according to Bleacher Report's Alex Kay, the Steelers' 2024 Pro Bowl linebacker Patrick Queen could also be on the trade block, with the Dallas Cowboys potentially interested in acquiring the $41 million player.

Why it matters

The Steelers have a history of making bold moves in the offseason to improve their roster, and trading away a talented young player like Queen would be another significant transaction. The Cowboys, meanwhile, are always looking to add impact players, and Queen's skills could make him an attractive target as they aim to bolster their defense.

The details

Queen, 25, was a first-round pick by the Steelers in 2024 and made the Pro Bowl that season. He is entering the final year of his rookie contract, which carries a $41 million price tag. The Steelers may be open to trading Queen if they feel they can't afford to re-sign him long-term, and the Cowboys could be interested in acquiring the talented linebacker to pair with their existing defensive core.

  • The Steelers acquired Michael Pittman Jr. earlier this offseason.
  • Patrick Queen made the Pro Bowl in 2024, his second NFL season.

The players

Patrick Queen

A 25-year-old linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers who made the Pro Bowl in 2024, his second NFL season. He is entering the final year of his rookie contract, which carries a $41 million price tag.

Michael Pittman Jr.

A wide receiver who the Pittsburgh Steelers acquired in a blockbuster trade earlier this offseason, bolstering their receiving corps.

Alex Kay

A writer for Bleacher Report who believes Patrick Queen could be a trade target for the Pittsburgh Steelers this offseason.

Dallas Cowboys

An NFL team that could potentially be interested in acquiring Patrick Queen from the Pittsburgh Steelers.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Alex Kay, Writer

The takeaway

The Steelers' offseason moves, including the Pittman trade and potential Queen trade, demonstrate the team's willingness to make bold roster decisions in order to remain competitive. The Cowboys' reported interest in Queen also highlights the high value placed on talented young defensive players around the league.