Injuries are a massive part of the NFL, and one key setback may actually open the door for the Pittsburgh Steelers to trade linebacker Patrick Queen to a landing spot hiding in plain sight.
In last Sunday's Week 4 matchup between the Packers and Buccaneers, Green Bay saw rising-star linebacker Edgerrin Cooper suffer a non-contact injury, which was later revealed to be a season-ending Achilles tear. This is a massive blow to the 2-2 Packers, but a trade with the Steelers for Queen could help Green Bay stay competitive in the NFC North.
Packers LB Edgerrin Cooper suffered torn Achilles, out for the season. (via @rapsheet, @adamschefter) pic.twitter.com/CPMpuIy9ym
— NFL (@NFL) October 5, 2026
Cooper, heading into Year 3 with the Packers, was considered to be one of Green Bay's
best defenders. Over the past 34 games, including 24 starts, Cooper has recorded 235 combined tackles, 23 tackles for loss, 13 QB hits, seven sacks, three forced fumbles, and two interceptions.
Queen is in the final year of his contract with Pittsburgh and has been called out by fans and former Steelers alike for "making business decisions" when it comes to his level of play. A linebacker-needy team like the Packers could be interested in taking a chance on Queen, given that he is just 27 years old, a two-time Pro Bowler with 105 starts, and has been exceptionally durable over the past seven seasons.
The Packers aren't taking Cooper's absence lying down and have tried out five linebackers in an attempt to lessen the massive injury loss. If the Steelers called the Packers about potential interest in Queen, don't be surprised if a deal gets done.
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This article originally appeared on Steelers Wire: Steelers may have Patrick Queen trade hiding in plain sight after devasting injury update
