Considering the amount of money the Pittsburgh Steelers invest in their defense, it should rank among the league’s best. Unfortunately, that isn’t happening. They continue to underachieve, and there is plenty of blame to be shared across the group. Yes, they won the AFC North division, but it was by the skin of their teeth.

A failure to lead a deep playoff push could force some tough conversations this offseason.

Several key pieces of the Steelers’ defense may struggle to keep their spots on the roster once decisions are finalized. There are veteran starters who carry massive cap hits next year, and it seems they could be shown the door to save cap space.

Expect many of those discussions to be on defense.

Linebacker Patrick Queen was the most expensive free agent signing in Pittsburgh history. They wanted to add an upgrade to that room, but that move has backfired. While Queen has shown strong play at times, his hiccups overlook the small number of times he shows positive signs. The veteran linebacker has had a tough 2025 campaign, and it could end with him becoming a cap casualty.

Pittsburgh Steelers could make LB Patrick Queen a cap casualty this offseason

Queen hasn’t been an elite player, like his contract warrants.

He should be their top linebacker each week; instead, he’s mediocre. He has missed 21.2% of his tackles this year and has shown massive issues in coverage. When thrown at, Queen allows a 75-completion percentage and has tallied 814 yards and three touchdowns allowed this season. When opposing offenses see him in coverage, they know he’s a weakness.

Ultimately, those numbers are concerning. The Steelers did not hand Queen a bag of cash for him to come in and show that he is not the real deal. The linebacker will enter his final season under contract in Pittsburgh during the 2026 campaign, but he might not make it that far. Making him a cap casualty makes too much sense.

Releasing the veteran defender would save Pittsburgh a ton of money.

Making Queen a cap casualty this offseason would free up $13.33 million, a significant sum for the team. They have Payton Wilson waiting in the wings and Malik Harrison to help out. There are quality linebackers scheduled to hit free agency, and the Steelers have a bounty of picks in the 2026 NFL Draft to replace Queen. It’s clear this should head for divorce in the coming months.

Things have not gone well for Queen with the Steelers. He was second fiddle with the Baltimore Ravens alongside Roquan Smith. After they broke up that duo, both Smith and Queen have struggled to maintain their notable status in the NFL. Pittsburgh spent too much money in free agency on the veteran linebacker to bring him onto the other side of the division rivalry for this level of play.