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Steelers Depot’s Dave Bryan argued the Dallas Cowboys could still acquire linebacker Patrick Queen during the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Dallas Cowboys previously showed a lot of interest in acquiring Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen this offseason. The possibility, though, quickly dissipated in the middle of March.
But it never fully went away. This week, Steelers Depot’s Dave Bryan explained why a Queen trade to Dallas is definitely still on the table for the first night of the 2026 NFL Draft.
If the Cowboys can’t get the linebacker or safety they love in the 2026 NFL Draft class, then Bryan sees the team potentially trading back in the first round in a move that would bring Queen to Dallas.
In What Scenario Could the Cowboys Still Acquire Steelers LB Patrick Queen?
GettySteelers Depot’s Dave Bryan argued the Dallas Cowboys could still acquire linebacker Patrick Queen during the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft.
Bryan didn’t seem to think it’s very likely that the Cowboys and Steelers will work out a Queen deal. It’s probably more likely the Cowboys move up into the top 10 to secure the defensive prospect they want.
But if the Cowboys strike out, Queen could be a Plan B.
“What if the Cowboys can’t trade up to secure one of those three players, specifically, [Sonny] Styles, and all are selected within the first 11 picks? Should such a scenario ultimately play out, the Cowboys could very well be left in no-man’s land when it comes to positional need and draft position/value,” wrote Bryan.
“That very scenario could result in the Cowboys wanting to trade down in the first round and them possibly looking for a deal that includes an experienced linebacker, a first-round pick and possibly another top-1oo selection.”
Bryan sees the Steelers potentially interested in dealing Queen to Dallas to jump up in the first round. The analyst speculated the Steelers might move up for guard Vega Ioane or wide receiver Makai Lemon.
Bryan’s trade pitch would send Queen and the No. 21 overall pick to Dallas. The Cowboys would also get some other selection — potentially a 2026 third-round pick.
That would give the Cowboys a starting linebacker (Queen) along with back-to-back picks at No. 20 and 21 overall.
Why Cowboys Previously Showed Interest in Queen
GettyPittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen is entering the final year of his $41 million contract.
Both The Dallas Morning-News’s Calvin Watkins and The Fort Worth Star-Telegram’s Nick Harris reported the Cowboys pursued a Queen trade in March. Harris reported during the first week of free agency the Steelers trading the linebacker “seems imminent.”
No trade has happened yet.
The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette’s Gerry Dulac characterized the Queen trade possibility as “rumors.” Dulac wrote in a fan Q&A that the Steelers were getting offers but weren’t interested in trading Queen.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter also reported on March 10 the Steelers weren’t interested in a Queen trade.
It’s pretty obvious, though, why the Cowboys inquired about Queen. Dallas finished last in points allowed and 30th in yards yielded last season. The Cowboys need more talent on defense, particularly at linebacker.
The team addressed some of its defensive weaknesses in NFL free agency but not linebacker.
While a Queen trade still seems unlikely, that could change quickly if the Cowboys strike out in the first 12 picks. The NFL Draft could be the last opportunity Dallas has to add a quality linebacker.
If the Steelers change their tune on Queen’s availability, then he could be backup solution for the Cowboys.
Dave Holcomb is a sports reporter covering the NFL and MLB for Heavy.com, with a focus on the Pittsburgh Steelers and a variety of other NFL teams. Originally from Pittsburgh, Holcomb has covered college and professional sports for outlets including FanSided, Rotowire and Yardbarker. More about Dave Holcomb
