Many assume that quarterback Aaron Rodgers will return to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a 22nd NFL campaign, though no one truly knows — yet. Even his teammates are being kept in the dark, including one who may not stick around long enough to see the decision through: Patrick Queen.

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen

Queen’s days with the Steelers seem numbered, given the club’s draft evaluation process and his name coming up in trade talks. Nevertheless, if a recent appearance on Good Morning Football is any indication, he ostensibly remains invested in Rodgers’ next move. The former “would love to” have the latter back in Pittsburgh, but there’s just one problem with that idea: their outlooks aren’t aligned.

Even if Rodgers chooses to give it another shot with the Steelers, there’s no telling if Queen will be part of the picture. So, the veteran linebacker’s curiosity and thoughts on the matter could ultimately prove futile.

Steelers LB Patrick Queen weighs in on Aaron Rodgers’ outlook despite uncertain status in Pittsburgh. By the sound of it, Queen expects to don the black and gold in 2026, but Pittsburgh’s actions suggest a breakup is more than possible. Perhaps he’s been informed otherwise or is operating as a Steeler until/if they move on. Either way, the two-time Pro Bowler highlighted how the Steelers’ defense, including himself, needs to “be better” for Rodgers (should he delay retirement for another year).

In the meantime, Pittsburgh has hosted several inside linebackers for pre-draft visits while rival front offices have reportedly inquired about acquiring Queen. Put two and two together, and it’s easy to see the two sides going their separate ways in due course this offseason. At this rate, he might find himself on a different roster before Rodgers’ future is determined.

It’s worth noting that Queen’s currently set to enter the final season of the three-year, $41 million contract he signed with Pittsburgh in March 2024. However, the 2020 first-round pick has no more guaranteed money on his deal and is evidently expendable following a down 2025.

The raw counting stats may not show it, but Queen struggled mightily this past season. He posted a career-high missed tackle rate (20.4 percent) and allowed more receiving yards in coverage than any linebacker (829), per Pro Football Focus.

Taken together, these developments are not isolated setbacks — they form the unmistakable outline of a calculated, franchise-altering strategy. The Steelers are not merely tweaking the edges of their defense; they are preparing to blow it up at the linebacker position and rebuild it through the 2026 NFL Draft. By aggressively scouting inside linebackers during pre-draft visits and openly entertaining trade interest in Queen, Pittsburgh’s front office has signaled a willingness to move on from a player who once represented the future of the unit. The absence of guaranteed money beyond this season only accelerates that timeline, turning Queen from cornerstone to trade chip in the span of a single disappointing year.

This is the shocking blueprint: sacrifice continuity at a key defensive spot to inject fresh talent, athleticism, and coverage reliability via the draft. It is a high-stakes gamble rooted in cold evaluation rather than sentiment. Even Queen’s own public optimism about Rodgers cannot mask the misalignment. While the veteran linebacker speaks of wanting one more run with a future Hall of Famer, the organization is quietly constructing a defense built for the long term — one that may not include him by the time training camp rolls around.

Whether Rodgers returns or retires, the message from the Steel City is clear. Patrick Queen’s fall from grace is not the end of a story; it is the catalyst for Pittsburgh’s most aggressive defensive reconstruction in years. The 2026 Draft will not be about patching holes. It will be about detonating the old foundation and starting fresh — one inside linebacker at a time.