Queen, 26, signed a three-year, $41 million deal with Pittsburgh in 2024 after four seasons with Baltimore. He totaled 120 tackles in 2025 but posted a dismal Pro Football Focus grade of 43.5, second-worst among 80 linebackers, and has an overall 2025 grade that hints at limited value beyond pass rush. If released before March 13 with a June 1 designation, the Steelers would save roughly $13.33 million in cap space while absorbing about $3.863 million in dead money; if retained, Queen would carry a $17.1 million cap hit in 2026 and be an unrestricted free agent in 2027.
The article notes potential landing spots if the Steelers move on, including Baltimore or the New York Giants, though those teams’ cap situations vary (Baltimore around $22 million under the cap; the Giants about $6.9 million). Any potential move would hinge on evolving cap dynamics as the new league year approaches. Queen remains under contract for now, but financial math could drive a cap-related decision in Pittsburgh.
