The Pittsburgh Steelers had a few different concerns when it came to certain areas of the roster entering the 2026 season. Wide receiver and the secondary were high on that list, but so was the inside linebacker position. Payton Wilson's play has been up and down ever since the Steelers drafted him in the third round of the 2024 NFL Draft, and Patrick Queen has had a problem with playing consistently ever since signing a three-year deal with the team in free agency back in 2024. Both players have been playing great as of late, and that showed in Pittsburgh's win over the New Orleans Saints in Week 7.
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Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson (center) celebrates his defensive touchdown with defensive tackle Cameron Heyward (97) and linebacker Patrick Queen (6) during the fourth quarter of a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paycor Stadium.
Both Wilson and Queen made some big plays in the win over the Saints. They each played a major role in limiting the Saints to just 18 yards on the ground, and they each made splash plays to get the ball back to Aaron Rodgers and the Pittsburgh offense. Wilson picked off Tyler Shough while the Saints were knocking on the door of the end zone, and Queen was able to sack Shough to force a punt on New Orleans' final possession of the game. The Steelers were able to run the clock out from there with over six minutes remaining.
It was great to see good games from both inside linebackers, and that is going to be a key in this defense finding success throughout the rest of the season. Bob Labriola hosted a Asked & Answered for the Steelers website, and he was asked about Wilson potentially having a breakout season. He responded with some great stats regarding Wilson, and the fact that a second contract in Pittsburgh is definitely a possibility.
"I do believe that Payton Wilson is on the road to having his best season as a pro, and because he is in the third season of the four-year deal he signed as a rookie in 2024, he is entering the stage of a career where teams start thinking about whether they are going to want to negotiate a second contract," Labriola said. "The Steelers enter Sunday's game vs. Cleveland ranked 7th in the NFL in rushing yards per game, and 6th in the NFL in average yards per carry allowed. Wilson leads the team in tackles (57), is second in tackles for loss (6), [and] is 1 of 7 players with [at least] 1 interception. He is a productive player on an effective defense, and a professional in how he approaches the days between games."
Wilson was drafted in 2024, so he is in his third season with the Steelers. He is eligible to be extended during the 2027 offseason, but the priority when it comes to extensions is going to go towards the players on the offensive line. However, Wilson should be considered for a second contract, but it is hard to speculate the type of value he might command.
Steelers Have Some Questions To Answer At Inside Linebacker
Wilson has developed into a pretty solid defender for the Steelers, and he even seems to be one of the leaders of the defense. Queen becomes a free agent during the 2027 offseason, so this is likely the last season the two will be playing with one another. It seems unrealistic for Wilson to get an extension while the team brings back Queen. If anything, Wilson will probably be extended and given the green dot to call the defense. The Steelers had the option to work out a new deal with Queen during the 2026 season, but chose not to.
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Steelers' Patrick Queen celebrates with Payton Wilson during a win over the Miami Dolphins at home during the 2025 season.
Each player in this duo being in a contract year of sorts is good for the Steelers. They each want to play well, which is certainly helping the defense reach new heights.
What do you think about the Steelers possibly giving Wilson a new deal after the 2026 season? Let me know on X, @brogannoey!
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