Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen once suited up for a division rival. That rival was the Baltimore Ravens and he played for them last season, opting to "leave for greener grass" this past offseason.
The former linebacker played very well for the Ravens. He accumulated some solid hardware for Flock Nation, including a third-place finish in the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year race in 2020, and an All-Pro second-team and Pro Bowl selection last season.
Queen is a physically gifted and talented linebacker. He left the Ravens to take more money. While that's not necessarily the end of the world for fans and organizations, it means a bit more when you leave to take more money from your arch-rival.
Queen recently told Giana Han of the Baltimore Banner he was informed the team would either pay him or defensive lineman Nnamdi Madubuike. "I was already told that it was going to be down to me or Madubuike, and I kind of already knew that defensive line was the priority," Queen said.
Patrick Queen left a lot to be desired Week 1 against the Atlanta Falcons
While there's no denying the potential impact Queen has on defense, the game is played on the field and not on paper. Queen felt like a great offseason addition by the Steelers. His athleticism and play style align well with other physical athletic players such as outside linebacker T.J. Watt, safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, and cornerback Joey Porter Jr.
Unfortunately for Steeler fans, it took one game to question the long-term expensive investment in Queen who signed a three-year $41 million deal this offseason.
Queen finished his first game with the Steelers unable to impress his new fans or make much of an impact for his team. He finished the game with a measly two tackles, zero sacks, and zero tackles for loss. For most of the game, he made little to no impact, calling into question what he's actually doing in Pittsburgh.
As usual, social media had its moment, calling out Queen for his magical disappearing act.
Refs stink, Patrick Queen can't tackle, we need a WR2, and Fields is gonna drive me nuts
— jdo3 (@jdo3) September 8, 2024
Patrick Queen not moving fr bro
— Travaughn (@saintlaurentVo) September 8, 2024
Is it me? Did we expect more from Patrick Queen?
— Ron Ledgard (@RonLedgard) September 8, 2024
Has Patrick Queen suited up today?? lol
— Adam (@ak100892) September 8, 2024
Needless to say, it's not necessarily screaming "Party" vibes over in the Steel City right about now. It's understandable - it's always tough when the big offseason acquisition struggles to make a difference. Poor Pittsburgh fans.
The Ravens knew it was going to be a tough time keeping both Queen and Madubike this offseason. The payroll simply couldn't afford them both. It looks like the Ravens made the right move by prioritizing the defensive line instead of the linebacking core.
Second-year linebacker Trenton Simpson already looks like he's going to fill the Patrick Queen-sized void just fine.