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Steelers Pro Bowler Was Fined $17,389 For This Hit Against Sam Darnold, As Chris Halicke Reported Earlier This Week

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Pittsburgh, PA – September 2025 – In a week where the Pittsburgh Steelers were already staggering from injuries and setbacks, linebacker Patrick Queen found himself at the center of fresh controversy. The NFL has fined Queen $17,389 for a hit on Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold during last Sunday’s Week 2 clash—a game that ended in a 31-17 defeat for Pittsburgh.

VIDEOS: https://x.com/DKPghSports/status/1968760071296315647

The fine, first reported by Chris Halicke of DK Pittsburgh Sports, wasn’t just about one collision. It was a reminder of the league’s sharpened stance on quarterback safety, a message delivered in dollar signs: hit the passer, pay the price.

For Queen, the penalty comes at a time when the Steelers’ defense is already under siege. Alex Highsmith and Joey Porter Jr.—two of the unit’s cornerstones—are sidelined with injuries, leaving gaps in a defense once feared for its steel spine. Now, instead of headlines about leadership and tackles, Queen’s name is tied to a fine that paints the picture of a defense losing both bodies and battles.

The hit itself? Fans split. Some saw it as routine contact in a violent game, others as reckless. The NFL’s verdict was swift and costly. To many, it reflects the league’s broader push to protect quarterbacks at all costs—a crusade that’s changing the DNA of defensive football.

“We want safety,” one fan posted, “but are we stripping the heart out of defense?”

It’s the same argument replayed every Sunday: the balance between safeguarding players and preserving the raw, punishing essence of the sport.

For Queen, $17,389 isn’t just a financial penalty. It’s a symbol of the spotlight now on him and his defense, a unit that must regroup fast with Week 3 looming in Foxborough. Against the Patriots, every snap will matter. And for a Steelers team desperate to rewrite its story, every headline counts.

In Pittsburgh, fines come and go. But what the Steelers need now is a statement on the field—proof that even battered, this defense still carries the iron spirit of the Black and Gold.

Patrick Queen Confirms Star WR Eagles Rejected Ravens to Work Out with Steelers - Awaiting Medical Check
Pittsburgh, PA – As the 2025 NFL trade deadline heats up with the November 4 cutoff approaching, Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen has publicly confirmed that wide receiver DeVonta Smith – the struggling star from the Philadelphia Eagles – turned down an invitation from the Baltimore Ravens to instead participate in a workout with the Steelers. This revelation came from Queen in a recent interview, sparking speculation about a potential trade deal, contingent on Smith passing an upcoming medical examination. This is the latest development in the rumors surrounding the Steelers' efforts to upgrade their wide receiver position after trading Diontae Johnson in the offseason. Source: https://x.com/CarneyMedia/status/1974569559236727034 According to Queen, who previously played for the Ravens before signing a 3-year, $41 million contract with the Steelers in 2024, Smith received an offer from Baltimore but chose to decline in favor of the opportunity in Pittsburgh. "I know DeVonta said no to the Ravens because he sees the Steelers as a better fit for his development," Queen shared on his personal podcast, emphasizing the connections between Smith and the Steelers' coaching staff. Queen, who has expressed disappointment over the Ravens not offering him a new contract, suggested that Smith's decision reflects "dissatisfaction with how the Ravens handle young players." This adds extra drama as Queen is set to face his former team in the upcoming Steelers vs. Ravens matchup. DeVonta Smith, who is experiencing the slowest start of his career with just 18 receptions and 289 yards through the first four games of the 2025 season, is facing frustration at the Eagles due to his limited role in the red zone under coordinator Kellen Moore. Along with A.J. Brown, the Eagles' expensive WR duo (each over $50 million) is rumored to be on the trade block to alleviate salary cap burdens, with Smith seen as the more feasible candidate thanks to his speed and route-running skills that would complement DK Metcaf in Pittsburgh. Sources from NFL executives indicate the Eagles rejected offseason offers for Smith, but the recent loss to the Denver Broncos (where Brown and Smith combined for only 6 yards in the first half) has ramped up the pressure. The Steelers, boasting a 3-1 start to the season under GM Omar Khan – renowned for big deals like acquiring Minkah Fitzpatrick – are "heavily monitoring" the situation in Philadelphia, according to a report from Carney Media on X. Offensive coordinator Arthur Smith previously coached Smith in Tennessee, while assistant GM Andy Weidl was involved in drafting him at the Eagles, creating a natural connection. However, everything hinges on the results of Smith's medical check, scheduled for this week, to ensure he has no issues from recent injuries. The Eagles have not officially commented on the rumors but have affirmed there are no plans to trade Smith before the deadline. Meanwhile, Queen wrapped up his interview with encouragement: "If DeVonta comes here, he'll be the perfect piece for our offense." With the Eagles currently on their bye week, Steelers fans are eagerly awaiting to see if this workout leads to a contract, potentially shifting the AFC North landscape. The Steelers will face their next opponent while awaiting updates from the medical check.