The Pittsburgh Steelers may be focused on the upcoming NFL Draft, but there are still trade rumors swirling about some of their own players. Those players could be used to get a higher pick now, or even accrue more draft capital for the 2027 class when they are expected to go all in on a quarterback. That was the original plan for this year before nearly every top passer prospect underperformed severely in 2025. Hopefully, that won't be the case again, and Pittsburgh can finally have some sort of stability with the man under center.
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Steelers' Omar Khan sits in the war room during the 2025 NFL Draft.
One of those potential trades is actually likely off the table now, barring a sudden, unexpected offer. In his weekly Q&A chat, insider Brian Batko revealed the reason that one of the players was probably pulled off the trade block.
"As for dealing Patrick Queen, I suppose it's still a possibility, but the Steelers generally don't like to pay out those roster bonuses to someone who won't be on the team," Batko said. "And that deadline passed for Queen last month."
Linebacker Patrick Queen was shopped around during the offseason, and there was definitely some interest in his services. However, nothing ever materialized, and it seemed like every team backed out of negotiations. There have been rumors that he's still available, but with Batko's report, the odds of him wearing a different jersey in 2026 are slim to none. He will most likely remain in Pittsburgh until his contract expires.
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Steelers' Patrick Queen and TJ Watt during a road game against the Denver Broncos in the 2024 season.
Queen ran out of guarantees after the 2025 season, but he still had that roster bonus attached to him. The deadline to move him before that took effect was March, so he's earned a $2.5 million bonus. The Steelers are unable to offload that money to another team, as they were contractually obliged to give him that money once the day hit. That would factor into the dead cap if he were to be moved.
Queen also has his signing bonus proration that is attached to his deal from when he first signed in 2024. Between those bonuses, the Steelers would be on the hook for about $6.3 million in dead cap if they were to trade him. None of his $10.8 million base salary is guaranteed, but at this point, they likely don't believe that whatever they can get in return for him is worth trading him away and eating that money.
As long as he does not get released before or during the season, Queen will see every last dollar of his three-year, $41 million contract that he signed in 2024. The odds of him getting cut are almost zero anyway, even if he were to be eventually dealt. He is still a quality player that sometimes has big games. He can be inconsistent at times, but that's not enough of a reason for Pittsburgh to let him go.
Steelers Could Re-Open Trade Talks During The Regular Season
If the Steelers have a rough start to the 2026 season, General Manager Omar Khan may get a few calls for Queen's services again. Of course, Pittsburgh absolutely hates the idea of tanking and rebuilding, so they would have to be very bad for Khan to deal him away.
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Pittsburgh Steelers General Manager Omar Khan speaks on the phone while attending a team event.
Khan has sold at the deadline before, and it has done wonders to the team now. After a very rough start to the 2022 season, Khan traded away wide receiver Chase Claypool for a second-round pick from the Chicago Bears. Claypool would never become a key contributor on any team he played for while Pittsburgh found its cornerback of the future with that exact selection: Joey Porter Jr.
What do you think about the Steelers likely not trading Queen due to his roster bonus? Would you be happy with him in black and gold for another season? Let us know on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.
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