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Steelers’ $70 Million LB Shocks NFL with Future Deal with Seahawks– Publicly Admits He’s No Longer in Steelers' Long-Term Plans

January 22, 2026

In a stunning move that has sent shockwaves through the NFL, Pittsburgh Steelers' star linebacker Patrick Queen has confirmed he has signed a future contract with the Seattle Seahawks. This decision comes after Queen publicly admitted that the Steelers no longer consider him part of their long-term plans, despite the $70 million extension he signed in 2024.

Queen, who has been a standout linebacker for the Steelers since joining the team, revealed that his relationship with the organization had drastically changed over the past few seasons. Although he was a key defensive player in Pittsburgh, his time with the Steelers had not met expectations, especially following the team's underwhelming playoff performances in recent years.

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“I’ve given everything to this team, but it’s become clear that I’m not part of their future. I can’t keep waiting for an opportunity that isn’t coming. I want to prove myself and continue to grow, and the Seahawks have given me that chance.”

His decision to sign with the Seahawks has raised eyebrows, especially considering that the Steelers have been investing in younger defensive players to strengthen their future. Queen’s departure seems to be part of Pittsburgh's broader roster overhaul as the team looks to transition to a new direction.

The Seahawks, in need of a reliable linebacker to pair with their already strong defensive line, have been actively searching for a standout addition to their defense. Queen’s arrival will provide Seattle with an immediate upgrade at the linebacker position, adding experience and leadership to their unit.

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This move also signals that Seattle is aiming for a Super Bowl run in 2026, with Queen’s skills and experience playing a key role in their championship aspirations. While the Seahawks are well-positioned to absorb Queen’s contract, teams like the Buffalo Bills and New York Giants, who have shown interest, could face significant challenges due to salary cap limitations.

Queen’s decision to join the Seahawks marks the end of an era in Pittsburgh, with the Steelers seemingly moving on from the linebacker in favor of building around younger defensive talent. As the 2026 season approaches, this bold move is expected to have a major impact on both teams' future trajectories.

US Destroys Iran's Attack Capabilities as Iranian Military Showcases Weapon Strength
The ongoing military standoff between the United States and Iran has escalated further, as the US claims to have destroyed several key Iranian military targets, while Iran continues to showcase its advanced weapons to assert its military power. In one of the latest developments, a submarine of the Iranian Navy was destroyed by US forces using the short-range ATACM ballistic missile as part of Operation Epic Fury. This move is part of the US strategy to weaken Iran’s military capabilities in the Middle East. Additionally, the US is deploying a landing strike group, including reconnaissance Marines, to bolster its presence in the region. This move comes amidst rising concerns about Iran’s growing military activities. However, Iran is not standing idle. The Iranian military has released videos showing underground tunnels filled with suicide drones, along with secret "firepower city" military facilities. These drones were launched from various locations, both during the day and at night, as part of Tehran’s retaliation against the US and Israel. In addition to the suicide drones, Iran has claimed to possess a massive stockpile of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), which could be used to disrupt traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and launch attacks on multiple critical targets across the Gulf region. These weapons are reportedly stored in underground facilities, making it difficult for the US to detect and eliminate Iran’s military capabilities completely. Furthermore, Iran is said to possess explosive-laden unmanned surface vehicles (USVs) designed for suicide attacks on ships. Due to their small size and fast mobility, these USVs are challenging to detect and defend against, especially during nighttime operations. Despite the US claiming to have destroyed Iran’s offensive capabilities, military experts believe Tehran still retains the ability to effectively control the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil shipping route. The US has used long-range missiles such as the ATAC MS and PSM in attacks on Iranian military targets, including warships and supply depots. General Dan Ken, Chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, emphasized the importance of artillery forces in the ongoing operation. He stated that US artillery units, including those from the Army and Marine Corps, have accurately struck several key Iranian targets, including at least one submarine of the Russian-made Kilo class. In the first 13 days of the operation, US artillery achieved a historic milestone by using the PSM missile for the first time in actual combat, deep inside Iranian territory. These actions not only pressure Iran but also have significant ramifications for the Strait of Hormuz, where oil transportation activities could be severely disrupted, leading to oil prices reaching their highest levels since July 2022. The US continues to reinforce its military presence in the Middle East, with additional warships and landing forces expected to carry out further attacks on Iran. However, given Iran’s powerful military capabilities and its control over the Strait of Hormuz, Tehran remains a formidable challenge to US military strategies in the region.