Cowboys Could Revive Patrick Queen Trade Talks If Draft Plans Unravel
The Dallas Cowboys have not completely closed the door on a potential move for Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen, even though early offseason momentum has faded. Interest was genuine in March, and while discussions cooled significantly, the idea still lingers as the 2026 NFL Draft approaches.
Draft Scenarios Could Reignite Interest
According to emerging draft scenarios, Dallas could revisit that option if their preferred defensive targets are off the board early. It is not the most likely outcome, but it remains a practical fallback plan depending on how the first round unfolds. Much of this hinges on how the top of the draft plays out. If Dallas fails to move up and misses out on its top defensive targets, the front office may have to pivot quickly. That is where Queen re-enters the conversation. He is entering the final year of his $41 million contract with the Steelers.
Steelers Depot’s Dave Bryan outlined a scenario where the Cowboys are left in an awkward spot between need and value. “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,” Bryan wrote. In that case, Dallas could explore trading down rather than reaching for a player.
“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-100 selection.”
Proposed Trade Framework
Bryan’s proposed framework is straightforward. Dallas would receive Queen, the No. 21 overall pick, and an additional asset, potentially a third-round selection. In return, Pittsburgh would move up in the draft order. For the Cowboys, this would mean adding a proven linebacker while still maintaining strong draft capital with back-to-back selections early in the draft.
Defensive Struggles Explain Dallas’ Continued Interest
The Cowboys’ earlier pursuit of Queen was no coincidence. Multiple reports in March indicated real interest, with some suggesting a deal “seems imminent.” That never materialized, and other insiders downplayed the likelihood, calling the talks more speculative than serious. Still, the need remains obvious. Dallas struggled defensively last season, finishing near the bottom of the league in both points allowed and total yards allowed. While free agency helped address some gaps, the linebacker position was not fully resolved.
Queen offers immediate stability. He is experienced, productive, and fits a unit that needs consistency more than projection. That alone keeps his name relevant in draft discussions. There is also timing to consider. The draft may be Dallas’ last clean chance to reshape the position without overpaying later in free agency or via trade. If the board does not cooperate early, flexibility becomes key.
Right now, a deal still feels unlikely. But draft night has a way of shifting priorities rapidly. If the Steelers soften their stance, and Dallas finds itself without a clear option, the fallback plan could suddenly become the headline move of the evening.
