NFL Insider Adam Schefter has provided insight on why the Dallas Cowboys' decision to pass on Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen was a wise move.

Schefter, who works for ESPN, appeared on The Pat McAfee Show on March 10, with a surprising update on the Queen situation when team names like the Cowboys were touted as his next possible location.

"The Pittsburgh Steelers say they're not interested in moving on from him. This could be maybe a money issue where he might be looking for more. Or maybe they want him to take a pay cut that he’s unwilling to take right now."

The Dallas Cowboys chose not to add a linebacker despite needing to fill that position. Adam Schefter claims that choosing Queen would have been a costly mistake.

Queen carries an expensive $17.2 million cap hit. He has been a productive linebacker since he first joined the Baltimore Ravens in the 2020 NFL season. He was then picked up by the Steelers in 2024. He has appeared in over 80 games, totaling 703 tackles and 15.5 sacks.

If Queen is facing contract-negotiation troubles with the Steelers, whoever acquires him will have to take on the existing deal or renegotiate it. The Cowboys could have very well overpaid for Queen if they had considered him.

The situation still stands that the Cowboys need to fill the gap at linebacker. Fixing the defense is one of the top priorities of the Cowboys' front office going into the 2026 season. They allowed 511 points last season (worst in the league), with an average of 377 yards per game.

However, not everyone is pessimistic about the defense. The Cowboys have brought in pass rusher Rashan Gary under new defensive coordinator Christian Parker, and also safety Jalen Thompson, who sees good times ahead.

Jalen Thompson Optimistic About New-Look Cowboys Defense

The Dallas Cowboys are reshaping their defense following a disastrous 2025 campaign. Now they are rebuilding the roster, and one of them is Thompson.

Jalen Thompson is confident that he can play versatile positions and back up the team as needed. Thompson optimistically shared, "I see myself playing slot, deep, strong, free — wherever they need me. I've got tape that shows it, and I'm ready to get it going, bro."

Thompson has signed a 3-year, $36 million contract with the Cowboys. He also said that Ryan Smith, the Cowboys' new secondary coach, is a major reason he wanted to join them.

“He [Smith] is excited for me. The past three years were down years for us, so we're ready to step it up and hopefully get to that Super Bowl,” Thompson said.

While Thompson is hyped to go, the Cowboys are looking to do some business in the upcoming NFL draft to strengthen the defense.

What do you think of the Cowboys ignoring a Patrick Queen deal? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Shyam Hari

Edited by

Sayantan Gayen