Steelers A to Z: Durable Patrick Queen back for 2nd season anchoring middle of defense

Editor’s note: From now until reporting day to training camp at Saint Vincent College, TribLive is running through the Pittsburgh Steelers’ 90-man roster, looking at each player and assessing his outlook for the 2025 season. The breakdown will run in alphabetical order with at least two players each day between June 12 and July 23. Contract data courtesy spotrac.com.

ILB PATRICK QUEEN

Experience/age: Sixth season, turns 26 in August

Contract status: $17,693,333 cap hit, signed through 2026

The past: After signing a three-year, $41 million contract, the biggest given to an outside free agent by the Steelers, Queen led the team with 129 tackles and played every snap during the regular season at inside linebacker.

Queen also wore the green dot, making him responsible for calling the defensive signals. He earned a second consecutive Pro Bowl nod when he was named an injury replacement for former Baltimore teammate Roquan Smith.

Queen was a steady presence in the middle of the defense, yet he didn’t provide as much splash as in 2023 when he was named a second-team All-Pro in his final year with the Ravens. He did set a career high with seven pass breakups and two forced fumbles, but he had just five quarterback hits and one sack.

Queen also was in the middle of a defense that yielded 299 rushing yards in the wild-card playoff loss to the Ravens, although he played that game weary from food poisoning.

A first-round pick in 2020, Queen has never missed a start in his NFL career, spanning 84 games.

LB Patrick Queen stands by his decision to sign with the #Steelers.

“This is where I’m supposed to be. I made the right decision. I’m happy with my decision.” pic.twitter.com/ayKDNALZQ8

— Aaron Becker (@Aaron_M_Becker) January 8, 2025

2025 outlook: Queen is expected to be a fixture at one inside linebacker spot, with Payton Wilson and Cole Holcomb sharing snaps at the other. The Steelers want Queen to be more than just a capable tackler.

With a $17 million salary cap hit this season, Queen needs to show he is worth the significant investment the Steelers made in him. Queen admittedly didn’t play up to his standards in 2024. He’ll get another crack this season.