The Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys may soon find themselves competing for the same defensive upgrade.
According to multiple reports, both NFC East rivals have reached out to the Pittsburgh Steelers regarding the availability of linebacker Patrick Queen.
This could set up a rare trade-market showdown between two teams that are already fierce division rivals.
The Steelers have reportedly been receiving calls about Queen as he enters the final year of his contract. Pittsburgh is believed to be seeking a mid-round draft pick in exchange for the veteran linebacker.
If a deal ultimately materializes, it could come down to which NFC East contender is willing to make the stronger offer.
Eagles Searching for Answers at Linebacker
The Philadelphia Eagles did not enter free agency with major concerns at linebacker.
However, the first day of free agency quickly changed that.
Instead of adding reinforcements, Philadelphia watched several key defensive contributors depart.
Linebacker Nakobe Dean agreed to a three-year deal with the Las Vegas Raiders, creating an unexpected hole in the middle of the Eaglesâ defense. The team also saw pass rusher Jaelan Phillips sign with the Carolina Panthers, while starting safety Reed Blankenship also left in free agency.
What began as a relatively quiet start to free agency quickly turned into a challenging opening day for Philadelphiaâs defense.
With multiple contributors leaving the roster, speculation has begun to build that the Eagles could explore the trade market in search of a proven veteran to help offset the departures.
One name that has emerged as a potential target is Patrick Queen.
The 26-year-old has been one of the NFLâs most durable and productive linebackers since entering the league in 2020. Last season with the Steelers, Queen started all 17 games while recording 120 total tackles, eight tackles for loss, four passes defended and a forced fumble.
A two-time Pro Bowler and former second-team All-Pro, Queenâs sideline-to-sideline range and tackling ability would be a massive addition for Philadelphiaâs defense.
Eagles-Cowboys Rivalry Could Shape Trade Outcome
If both teams remain serious about acquiring Queen, the situation could quickly evolve into a bidding battle between two of the NFLâs most heated rivals.
Reports indicate the Cowboys and Eagles are viewed as the two leading contenders to land Patrick Queen.
That possibility adds another layer of pressure for Eagles general manager Howie Roseman. He could now find himself competing directly with a division rival for one of the top defensive players potentially available on the trade market.
With Queen entering a contract year and Pittsburgh reportedly open to offers, the coming days could determine whether one of the division rivals lands a major defensive reinforcement.
For now, the potential tug-of-war between Philly and Dallas is a storyline worth watching as the NFL offseason continues to unfold.
Trading for Queen could be the first major move Roseman makes this offseason.
Like Heavy Sports’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on Heavy Sports
The post Eagles, Cowboys Set to Battle for Star Defender in Trade Market appeared first on Heavy Sports.