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Pittsburgh Steelers Extend Pro Bowl ILB Through 2030, Making Him the Highest-Paid ILB in NFL History

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania — In a move that solidifies the future of their defense, the Pittsburgh Steelers have agreed to a four-year contract extension worth approximately $88 million with Pro Bowl inside linebacker Patrick Queen, keeping him in Pittsburgh through the 2030 season. The deal makes Queen the highest-paid inside linebacker in NFL history, with an average annual value of roughly $22 million per year.

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For the Steelers, the decision represents a long-term commitment to the centerpiece of their defensive system. Since arriving in Pittsburgh, Queen has quickly emerged as one of the team’s most important defensive players, combining elite speed, field awareness, and sideline-to-sideline range that defines the modern inside linebacker position.

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This past season, Queen once again proved his value by recording 120 tackles, finishing second on the team behind Payton Wilson. He also started all 17 regular-season games, extending his remarkable streak of 101 consecutive games played since entering the NFL — a testament to both his durability and consistency.

Over the course of his career, Queen has built an impressive résumé. Since being selected in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, he has accumulated more than 650 total tackles, 15 sacks, over 35 tackles for loss, multiple forced fumbles, and key interceptions in critical moments. Those performances helped earn him Pro Bowl recognition and established him as one of the most dynamic inside linebackers in the league.

Beyond the statistics, Queen has become a leader on the field. The “green dot” on his helmet allows him to receive direct communication from the sidelines, a responsibility reserved for the defensive signal-caller — a role that reflects the coaching staff’s trust in his football IQ and leadership.

“Pittsburgh gave me the opportunity to become the best version of myself, and that means everything to me,” Queen said after signing the extension. “This isn’t just a new contract — it’s a commitment that we’re going to keep fighting together. I want to help bring more championships to this city and to Steelers Nation.”

The extension also stabilizes the core of Pittsburgh’s defense, where Queen will continue lining up alongside stars such as T. J. Watt and Alex Highsmith. That trio is expected to remain one of the most disruptive defensive groups in the NFL for years to come.

For Pittsburgh, extending Queen is more than just retaining a talented player. It is a statement that the franchise remains committed to the hard-nosed defensive identity that has defined the Steelers for decades. With Queen now anchoring the middle of the defense through 2030, the organization believes it has secured a cornerstone for its next championship push.

Broncos CB Star With Over 330 Career Tackles Signals Willingness to Be Traded to Four Top NFL Teams After Social Media Post Hinting He’s Unhappy in Denver
Denver, Colorado — The offseason drama in Denver escalated this week after standout cornerback Riley Moss posted a cryptic message on social media that many around the league interpreted as a sign of growing frustration with his situation in Denver. Moss, who has recorded more than 330 career tackles while establishing himself as one of the most physical young cornerbacks in the league, appeared to hint that his future with the Broncos may not be as secure as many once believed. Within hours of the message circulating online, league insiders reported that four top NFL teams had already contacted the Broncos to inquire about Moss’ potential availability in a trade. The message itself quickly spread across NFL circles. “Sometimes you give everything you have to a place and still feel like your voice isn’t being heard. I love this game and I love competing, but every player deserves to be somewhere that believes in them the same way they believe in the team.” Although Moss did not explicitly request a trade, the tone of the post sparked immediate speculation among fans and analysts. Many interpreted the message as a sign that the young defensive star could be open to a new opportunity if the Broncos decide to explore trade conversations. Since entering the league, Moss has built a reputation as a hard-hitting, instinctive cornerback capable of contributing both in coverage and in run support. His tackling ability and aggressive playing style have made him a valuable piece of Denver’s secondary. Over the course of his career, Moss has accumulated over 330 tackles, multiple interceptions, and numerous pass breakups, statistics that highlight both his physical presence and his awareness in the defensive backfield. Coaches have often praised his willingness to step up in big moments and match up against top receivers. Because of that production, Moss is already drawing serious attention across the league. According to sources familiar with the situation, at least four playoff-caliber teams — the Detroit Lions, Baltimore Ravens, Dallas Cowboys, and Buffalo Bills — have expressed interest in a potential trade package. League executives believe Denver could command a second- or third-round draft pick along with a contract extension potentially worth $55–65 million if negotiations were to materialize. For now, the Broncos have made no public indication that they are willing to move Moss. However, the viral social media post has already created a wave of speculation surrounding one of Denver’s most promising defensive players. As the offseason continues, the situation involving Riley Moss could quickly develop into one of the most intriguing storylines in the NFL — and one that may ultimately reshape the future of the Broncos’ defense.