In a move that dramatically improves the middle of the defense, the Pittsburgh Steelers have reached an agreement on a mega-contract with former Baltimore Ravens standout linebacker Patrick Queen prior to NFL free agency.
Prior to making his first appearance in free agency, Queen, one of the best inside linebackers in the NFL, played his first four seasons with the Ravens after being selected in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft.
One of the best defenders available in free agency and a key player from the division foe Ravens are both acquired by the Steelers prior to the 2024 campaign.
Patrick Queen is a valuable senior leader for the Pittsburgh Steelers and one of the league’s most talented off-ball players.
Pro Football Focus notes that Pittsburgh is also getting one of the more underappreciated pass-rush presences available.
Brad Spielberger says for PFF, “In addition to his strong play against the run, Queen’s pass-rushing prowess carries significant value.” “And in reporting during the previous two seasons.” His eight sacks and forty-eight quarterback pressures in the last two seasons rank him second among off-ball linebackers.
It’s noteworthy that Queen, when targeted by PFF, held opposing quarterbacks to a 97.2 passer rating, highlighting not just his playmaking abilities in coverage but also his ability to play downhill against the run or rush the passer.
Mike Tomlin, the head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, and Patrick Queen could have an awkward first meeting.
The reason for this is that Tomlin declared that Queen “is not a Raven” during Queen’s rookie season.
According to Queen, via ProFootballtalk, “This game defines you and makes you a Raven every time you join this organization and they talk about it.” “You’re not a Raven,” Mike Tomlin yelled at me as I stood on their sideline during my rookie season. It’s not you, Raven. It’s not supposed for you to be there. You do not belong to them. Thus, there’s something personal every time I play them.”
Queen is now playing for Tomlin, rather than against him twice a season. It should be interesting to hear that introduction in Pittsburgh.
Be the first to comment