NFL Trade Rumors: Jerry Jones' Dallas Cowboys linked to $40M Pittsburgh Steelers defensive star

The Dallas Cowboys went into the 2026 offseason with one clear problem. Their defense, especially at linebacker, did not hold up in 2025. So, naturally, NFL trade rumours picked up steam around a possible upgrade. One name from the Pittsburgh Steelers quickly entered the conversation; it's none other than Patrick Queen.But while the buzz around the Queen trade gained traction in late March 2026, the situation was never as straightforward as it seemed.

Patrick Queen trade rumors: Dallas Cowboys weigh options at linebacker as the star-LB emerge as a reliable name amid Steelers trade talk

Recently, Dallas Morning News reporter Calvin Watkins revealed that Dallas internally explored multiple linebacker options. That list included Patrick Queen, along with Nakobe Dean and Quay Walker.Also, things become clearer when a viral post revealed that the Cowboys are zeroing in on Patrick Queen.

The post reads, “🚨🚨The #Cowboys have interest in #Steelers LB Patrick Queen.”

The need was real. Kenneth Murray and Shemar James both posted sub-40.0 grades on Pro Football Focus in 2025. That placed them among the league’s least effective starting duos. Dallas chose to move on from Murray, while Jack Sanborn and Logan Wilson also exited, with Wilson retiring. DeMarvion Overshown remains the lone locked-in starter heading into 2026.

Dean and Walker eventually reunited with the Raiders, leaving Queen as the most realistic target tied to the Cowboys in trade talks.Still, several factors complicated the deal. Queen, who signed a three-year, $41 million contract with Pittsburgh in 2024, is due $13.33 million in 2026. His performance also dipped last season. He recorded a career-high 20.4 per cent missed tackle rate and allowed 829 yards in coverage.

Those numbers raised concerns for a team already trying to stabilize its defense.From Pittsburgh’s side, the situation is just as layered. Queen has remained productive, with over 120 tackles in recent seasons, but expectations have remained high. With a coaching transition and long-term contract decisions looming, trade speculation has not gone away.Despite all the noise, Dallas did not push forward with a deal.

The Cowboys now look toward the 2026 NFL Draft, where a deep linebacker class could offer a cheaper and more stable solution.There is also a timing factor here. With Pittsburgh already carrying a full slate of draft picks, any move involving Queen would likely need to bring future value rather than more mid-round selections in 2026. That mismatch in expectations could explain why talks never advanced. For now, the Patrick Queen trade chatter cools off, but as team needs develop and the draft approaches, this is one situation worth watching closely.