After the sequence of the Baltimore Ravens drafting inside linebacker Trenton Simpson in the third round and It declining his team option, linebacker Patrick Queen has had a rough few days.
There was some speculation during the offseason, but barring a significant change, these two moves make it clear that Queen's tenure with the Ravens will likely come to a close after the 2023 season.
Queen showed some improvement in the back half of last season, and it is attributed to the acquisition of former Chicago Bear Roquan Smith. This caused some fans to regain confidence in Queen, but Ravens General Manager Eric DeCosta still decided to decline his fifth-year option worth $12.7 million.
Option was for $12.7 million for 2024 season. Instead, Queen will be eligible for free agency after the upcoming season. https://t.co/1WUS39rJcw
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) May 1, 2023
If DeCosta picked that option up, Queen would have become the seventh-highest-paid inside linebacker in the NFL annually. With Smith becoming the highest-paid inside linebacker in the NFL in January, the Ravens do not want to pay another high-end deal at that position.
That feeling is likely emphasized by the fact that Queen has some glaring holes in his game that Smith was patching up. Throughout the season, Queen had a difficult time in the run game, finishing tackles, and getting lost in coverage. What hid these traits was Queen's ability to make the eyes of some fans light up with his flashiness.
With all of this in mind, DeCosta has a few options to consider.