Up-and-Coming Linebacker Patrick Queen Signs with the Steelers
Following much anticipation, 2023-24 Pro Bowl linebacker Patrick Queen has decided to take his talents to Pittsburgh, as he signed a three-year 41-million-dollar contract with the Steelers this afternoon. Despite a disappointing end to his tenure with the Baltimore Ravens, in which they fell one game short of reaching Super Bowl LVIII, the up-and-coming linebacker had himself a career year this past season heading into the offseason as a free agent. Prior to last season, the Ravens decided to decline Queen’s fifth-year option, as he had shown struggles in his first two seasons with tackling in space and being able to occupy the middle of the field. With this reality having set in, Queen made certain to put forth his best season yet.
Queen, who was drafted in 2020 by the Ravens in the first round, made his NFL debut against the Cleveland Browns, where he showcased his potential, after recording a team-high eight tackles, a forced fumble, and a sack in a 38-6 win. In his rookie season, Queen would compile 106 total tackles, three sacks, and one interception. In his four-year tenure with the Ravens, Queen tallied 454 total tackles (297 solo), 13.5 sacks and four interceptions. Despite his encouraging start to his NFL career, there were notable struggles in his ability to tackle opponents effectively in the open field and bring them down. The Ravens organization and general manager Eric DeCosta decided not to option Queen’s fifth year, as they wanted to have Queen prove his ability to consistently perform.
During the 2022-23 season, the Ravens traded for two-time Pro Bowler Roquan Smith from the Chicago Bears to bolster their linebacker depth and provide Queen with a game-changing player that he can rely on for veteran knowledge. The trade for Smith ended up becoming one of the best trades in Ravens’ history, as Queen and Smith would become one of the league’s most feared linebacker duos. Last season, Queen would put together a dominating season, as he had a career-high in tackles (133) and matched his career-best in pass breakups (6). Ultimately, Queen was named to his first Pro Bowl appearance in his career and ended up maxing himself out of Baltimore, as he received his long-awaited long-term deal with the Steelers.
