Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen earned honorable mention in ESPN's survey of executives, coaches and scouts released Tuesday. The ranking comes despite a challenging 2025 season marked by inconsistent play. Queen enters the final year of his contract with the team.
ESPN placed Queen among other notable inside linebackers such as Quay Walker, DeMarvion Overshown and Demario Davis. One AFC personnel evaluator noted that Queen shows speed and strength at times but remains too inconsistent overall.
Queen joined the Steelers in 2024 on a three-year deal after leaving the Baltimore Ravens. He played 1,180 snaps last season and received a 43.5 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, down from 56.8 the prior year.
The veteran allowed 74 receptions on 93 targets for 829 yards and three touchdowns while missing a team-high 28 tackles. Schematic concerns surfaced publicly after a Week 12 loss to the Chicago Bears.
New defensive coordinator Patrick Graham and head coach Mike McCarthy now lead the unit following the departures of Mike Tomlin and Teryl Austin. No contract extension is expected for Queen amid earlier trade rumors.
