Overview
- Citing a Bleacher Report piece published June 23, multiple outlets listed Queen as a clear candidate to be cut from the Steelers roster this summer.
- Spotrac’s salary-cap estimate shows releasing Queen would save Pittsburgh about $11 million against the 2026 cap.
- On the field, Queen has posted 249 tackles across the last two seasons but only two sacks and three forced fumbles while drawing criticism for missed assignments and missed tackles.
- Queen is 26 and has one year left on a three-year, $41 million deal signed in 2024, and he would be an unrestricted free agent next offseason if Pittsburgh does not re-sign him.
- If released or traded he would likely draw interest because of his age, two Pro Bowl nods and 101 career starts, and the move could free money to address the defense or open a spot for younger linebackers like Payton Wilson or Cole Holcomb.