Patrick Queen taking much less money to join Steelers could come back to haunt him
By Mike Luciano
Former Baltimore Ravens linebacker Patrick Queen has quickly gone from a beloved breakout star to one of the most reviled figures in his old team's fanbase, as he decided to part ways with the Ravens to sign a contract with Mike Tomlin and the hated Pittsburgh Steelers in free agency.
Queen signed a three-year, $41 million deal that will put him right in the middle of a very impressive defense that features standouts like TJ Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and Joey Porter Jr. While this would be an attractive offer for just about any player, Queen's decision has made him a popular target for angry Ravens fans on social media.
Queen has spent some time in recent weeks lashing out at fans who have responded poorly to his departure. Queen said that he had a legitimate bidding war for his services, much to the chagrin of some Ravens fans trying to get some digs in on him.
Queen said that as many as 15 different teams registered some interest in him in free agency, with multiple deals clocking in with around $17 million in average annual value. Queen claims to have taken less to win now with Pittsburgh and possibly earn an even bigger contract in three seasons.
When free agency began, around 15 teams were in on signing Patrick Queen, a couple of which were offering deals in the $17M APY range.
— Derrick (@Steelers_DB) May 25, 2024
He quickly turned down more money to become a Steeler, with an emphasis on winning right now and earning another big contract down the line. pic.twitter.com/YzAKcJwBxx
Patrick Queen says he took much less money to leave Baltimore Ravens
The Steelers will have to fight through a gauntlet of a division that includes a loaded Ravens team, one of the best defenses in the league in Cleveland, and a Cincinnati team that is getting back Joe Burrow. Adding Russell Wilson and Justin Fields is a big boost, but they do not make the Steelers postseason locks.
While Pittsburgh has a solid defense around Queen, the downgrade between playing next to Roquan Smith and lining up across from one of either Elandon Roberts, Cole Holcomb, or rookie Payton Wilson could lead to some of Queen's flaws being exposed more regularly.
Queen was one of the best linebackers in the league last season, but the early parts of his Ravens career were marred by inconsistency. Leaving a situation like Baltimore and joining Pittsburgh might make it tougher for him to replicate his All-Pro form.
Queen secured generation wealth for himself and his family, so his career and free agent process should rightfully be deemed a massive success. However, from a competitive point of view, Queen may have passed up a better option to join one of Baltimore's biggest rivals.
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