Overview
- Dallas officially pulled out of preliminary Patrick Queen trade talks on Thursday, according to Fort Worth Star‑Telegram reporter Nick Harris.
- Harris also wrote that Pittsburgh and Queen are expected to part ways and a trade "seems imminent," a claim disputed by Steelers insiders and ESPN’s Adam Schefter who say the team is not shopping him.
- Queen remains under a three‑year, $41 million contract and is entering the final season with an estimated $17.19 million 2026 cap hit.
- The Cowboys still lack a veteran starter at linebacker after losing targets such as Nakobe Dean and Quay Walker to the Raiders, with options like Bobby Wagner and Lavonte David still available in free agency.
- Reporting points to price and draft‑capital concerns—including Dallas having already dealt a 2027 fourth‑rounder for Rashan Gary—as factors in the team’s decision not to meet Pittsburgh’s reported mid‑round ask.