Steelers Defender Already Flashing Signs Of Dominance In Training Camp: "He's Feeling A Bit More Comfortable"

The Pittsburgh Steelers have made multiple significant upgrades on the defensive side of the ball throughout the 2025 offseason. Pittsburgh traded veteran free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick to the Miami Dolphins in exchange of Jonnu Smith and superstar cornerback Jalen Ramsey, as the team was able to make a crucial upgrade in the secondary. The Steelers also signed generational linebacker TJ Watt to a three-year extension as well, as Watt is now the highest paid non-quarterback in NFL history.

Despite multiple new players looking to make an impact in 2025, many returning players will look to play at an elite level as well. Among those players is linebacker Patrick Queen, as the veteran will look to play a bigger role throughout his second season in Pittsburgh. Queen appeared in all 17 games last season for the Steelers, as the former Baltimore Raven is a reliable linebacker who has remained extremely durable throughout his career.

When asked for his opinion on Queen's performance throughout the opening week of training camp, Steelers insider Mark Kaboly took a moment to share his thoughts.

"I'll tell you another guy who's stepped it up in non-padded practices, Patrick Queen," Kaboly stated. "He seems like he's feeling a bit more comfortable here, so that's huge."

Kaboly then went on to speak about Queen's availability in 2025, claiming that the veteran will more than likely be on the field for almost every defensive snap.

"It looks like they are going to have two three-down linebackers," Kaboly explained.

Kaboly's comments may not come as surprising to many, as Queen was elite during his time in Baltimore and is widely expected to play at that level again in his second year in the Steel City. Despite being a Pro Bowler in 2024, Queen had an up and down season throughout his first year in Pittsburgh. The veteran was credited with one sack and two forced fumbles in 2024, as the former Raven was unable to record a single interception throughout the entire season. 

With Queen set to have a bounce back year in 2025, many feel as if the Steelers have a top defensive unit in all of football. Pittsburgh's defense features an encouraging mix of younger and veteran players, as Queen finds himself playing amongst some of the top pass rushers in the league. Queen looking more comfortable throughout his second training camp in Pittsburgh is a massive win for the Steelers, as the linebacker may very well get back on track in 2025.

Steelers' Patrick Queen Could Play A Major Off-Field Role In 2025

With Queen set to thrive in 2025, the Steelers are expected to continue evaluating the veteran throughout the course of training camp. Pittsburgh is expected to keep a close eye on rookies Jack Sawyer and Carson Bruener as well, as both players will look to shine in their first year with the Steelers. Queen may emerge as an excellent mentor for both Sawyer and Bruener, as the rookie linebackers will be under the wing of multiple elite veterans throughout their rookie season.

Sawyer, a fourth-round selection out of Ohio State, is a promising young linebacker who will look to turn heads throughout training camp. Sawyer was a star at the college level as well, as the former Buckeye played a crucial role in Ohio State's National Championship run last season. Bruener is expected to be a top beneficiary of Queen's presence, as the former Washington star will try to fight his way towards a bigger role in 2025.

With Queen set to play at an elite level once again in 2025, the Steelers' defense is widely expected to be a top unit in all of football. Queen should be an excellent mentor for the younger members of the defense as well, as the veteran could help multiple players thrive this season. With the first few days of training camp officially complete, the Steelers are expected to continue evaluating the performance of Queen and other key players.

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