The Pittsburgh Steelers appear set on defense, on paper. A new defensive scheme, a retooled secondary, and a strong defensive line provide more answers than questions. However, if there's one area where the Steelers need more, it's their inside linebackers. Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson have both flashed brilliance during their time in Pittsburgh, but they have also delivered less-than-desirable performances at times. ESPN recently reviewed every team's current weakness, and the Steelers' inside linebacker group made the cut.
"Patrick Queen and Payton Wilson are back as the starters, and that might not be a good thing after Pittsburgh ranked 27th in run stop win rate (28.9%) last season. Queen remained an every-down player last season but slipped to 61st among 67 qualified off-ball linebackers in PFF grade (he ranked 54th among 69 qualified in 2024). Wilson could make a Year 3 leap, though he struggled to fend off Cole Holcomb and Malik Harrison, who both remain on the roster, for snaps last season." Mike Clay of ESPN reported.
Queen enters a contract year with no apparent extension on the horizon. Wilson also needs a strong year to earn a future contract. Are they currently the weakness of the Steelers defense, or are they the key to making this defense elite?
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Undeniable Talent, but the Steelers Need Consistency
Wilson struggled in run defense in Week 2 against the Seattle Seahawks. A few weeks later, against the 7-1 Indianapolis Colts, he recorded 14 tackles, an interception, and two pass breakups. If the Steelers get the version of Wilson who showed up against the Colts, he will undoubtedly be the future at that position.
Queen made the Pro Bowl in 2024, flashing the promise the Steelers envisioned when they signed him in free agency. He also hates the Baltimore Ravens like a Steelers linebacker should. However, there's a reason the Steelers haven't locked him into an extension: Queen recorded four interceptions and six fumble recoveries in his first four years, but he has managed only two recoveries and no interceptions since arriving in Pittsburgh.
It goes to show that the Pro Bowl level of play is there for both. However, they need to show it consistently to unlock this defense. They have done so before, together.
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When Queen and Wilson Play Great, the Steelers Defense Can't Be Beaten
Despite the secondary suffering major blows in the game, one of the Steelers' best defensive performances came against the Minnesota Vikings. In that game, Wilson and Queen combined for 24 tackles, five tackles for loss, and two quarterback hits. Had it not been for a late coverage bust, the Steelers would have secured a decisive victory thanks to their outstanding defensive effort that day. Queen and Wilson played an integral part in that strong defensive performance.
In 2024, when the Ravens visited Pittsburgh, the Steelers defense kept the Ravens offense in check. Queen's 10 tackles, forced fumble, and tackle for loss led an impressive defensive effort. Wilson, however, made a splash play of his own with a critical interception, one of the biggest plays of the game, despite playing limited snaps as a rookie.
The Steelers don't necessarily need the duo to play out of their minds on every snap; they just need them to deliver stronger games more consistently. Wilson saw reduced snaps at one point last year due to poor run-defense performance, and both linebackers have struggled in coverage at times. If they can put it together this year, the Steelers defense will be stronger than ever, and perhaps their direct deposits in 2027 will be, too.
