Steelers Pegged to Potentially Poach Rival LB Patrick Queen

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The Athletic’s Mark Kaboly named Baltimore Ravens linebacker Patrick Queen a free agent target for Mike Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Pittsburgh Steelers may not be in position to make a luxury signing this offseason. After all, they have just $9.5 million in cap space according to Spotrac. But if Steelers general manager Omar Khan finds enough financial flexibility, The Athletic’s Mark Kaboly argued that Baltimore Ravens inside linebacker Patrick Queen should be a free agent target for Pittsburgh.

On March 5, Kaboly called Queen “the ultimate luxury signing” for the Steelers.

“While it might seem far-fetched, never say never with Khan. The Steelers have struggled to find a reliable inside linebacker since Ryan Shazier’s injury in 2017, and Queen would be a perfect fit,” Kaboly wrote. “With Cole Holcomb and Kwon Alexander coming off serious injuries (Alexander is also a free agent) and Mark Robinson struggling to take the step from special teamer to starter, the need is clear.

“Queen has never missed a game in his career and has averaged 114 tackles per season.”

Although Queen has been a star for years, he made his first Pro Bowl during the 2023 season. He also made second-team All-Pro last season.

In 2023, he posted a career-high 133 combined tackles, including 9 tackles for loss and 6 quarterback hits. Queen also had 6 pass defenses, 3.5 sacks and 1 interception.

Dave Holcomb is a sports reporter covering the Pittsburgh Steelers and Detroit Lions for Heavy.com. Originally from Pittsburgh, Holcomb has covered college and professional sports for outlets including Fansided, Rotowire and Yardbarker. More about Dave Holcomb