Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

Cowboys Make Trade Decision After Patrick Queen News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Chris Phelps | Last updated Mar 20, 2026 4:05 PM ET

Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys had another disappointing NFL season in 2025. After missing the playoffs in 2024, the Cowboys moved on from head coach Mike McCarthy , replacing him with Brian Schottenheimer. However, the change did not have much impact, as Dallas finished 7-9-1 and missed the postseason once again.

While Dallas’ offense kept the team afloat in 2025, it was the defense that ultimately hurt its season. Under defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, the Cowboys allowed 377 total yards per game, including 251.5 passing yards, 125.5 rushing yards and 30.1 points, all of which ranked in the bottom 10 of the NFL. But this offseason, owner and general manager Jerry Jones has looked to make defensive changes, including showing interest in adding a new linebacker.

Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen warms up for a game against the Buffalo Bills at Acrisure Stadium.© Barry Reeger-Imagn Images

Patrick Queen, after a college career with the LSU Tigers, was selected by the Baltimore Ravens with the No. 28 pick in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He spent his first four years in Baltimore, eclipsing 100 tackles in three different seasons and earning an All-Pro nod. But after his rookie deal came to an end, Queen signed a three-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2024.

Queen spent the next two years with the Steelers, earning a second Pro Bowl nod in 2024. Last season, he finished with 120 tackles, one sack, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. And with one year left on his contract, the Cowboys had shown interest in acquiring Queen from Pittsburgh via trade, hoping he could provide a boost for the defense.

But after no progress was made on a deal, the Cowboys have decided to no longer target Queen in a trade. Instead, they have pivoted their trade interest to Miami Dolphins linebacker Jordyn Brooks and Houston Texans Azeez Al-Shaair.

"They’ve pivoted off Queen," The Star-Telegram's Nich Harris wrote on X. "Al-Shaair & Brooks are being discussed though"

They’ve pivoted off Queen. Al-Shaair & Brooks are being discussed though
— Nick Harris (@NickHarrisFWST) March 20, 2026

The Cowboys have already made a trade this offseason as well, acquiring defensive end Rashan Gary from the Green Bay Packers in exchange for a 2027 fourth-round pick, hoping he can provide some of the pass-rushing abilities that were lost after trading away Micah Parsons.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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