The Pittsburgh Steelers and the other three franchises in the AFC North will not compete for a Super Bowl Championship at the end of the 2023 season. The Baltimore Ravens and Lamar Jackson got a taste of their own medicine when the Kansas City Chiefs' defense made it impossible for them to find success during the AFC Championship Game on Sunday. All four teams are now solely focused on bettering their roster for 2024, while Baltimore may have to say goodbye to Defensive Coordinator Mike Macdonald if he receives a head coaching gig. All cards are on the table for the division.
AP Photo / Don Wright
Baltimore Ravens Head Coach John Harbaugh (left) and Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin talk on the field prior to a competitive matchup in Pittsburgh, PA.
Baltimore enjoyed a ton of success in 2023 and Jackson will likely be named the league's Most Valuable Player. They have a daunting task in free agency, however. There are several key contributors that could end up finding a home elsewhere. One of the destinations for these play-makers might be in Pittsburgh. There are a few who would fit in perfectly with Mike Tomlin and co.
Pittsburgh has already targeted one former Raven who was recently released and that trend could continue in free agency. The Ravens' cap situation is currently better than the Steelers, but that could change after releases and restructures in Pittsburgh. General Manager Omar Khan should be on the phone with a few Ravens' free agents if the opportunities presents themselves.
1.) Patrick Queen, Inside Linebacker
Patrick Queen is going to come with a hefty price tag and Pittsburgh has Cole Holcomb and Elandon Roberts under contract through 2024. Queen, however, will only be 25 entering his fifth NFL season and has been a dominant force for Baltimore. The AP Second Team All-Pro selection had 133 tackles, nine tackles for loss, six quarterback hits as well as an interception and forced fumble.
Pittsburgh has invested a ton of defense in recent years and fans are inclined to want hefty investments on the offensive side of the ball, but it's impossible to ignore the prospect of Queen wearing the black and gold. He won't come cheap, but bringing him in would set the Steelers up for the foreseeable future when it comes to inside linebacker.
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Baltimore Ravens linebacker, Patrick Queen (#6) looks in the distance as he stands alone on a practice field in Baltimore, MD.
2.) Justin Madubuike, Defensive Lineman
The Steelers had issues stopping the run at times in 2023 and additions to the defensive front will be critical to help an aging line that features Cameron Heyward and Larry Ogunjobi. Keeanu Benton has the chance to be a star, but he will need some help as he continues to grow as a player. Khan reaching out to Justin Madubuike could lead to the perfect marriage.
Madubuike is another Raven who earned some sort of All-Pro Honors in 2023. He's not just a run-stuffer; he was able to compile 13 sacks and a forced fumble. On top of that, he has played 34 of 34 regular season games since the beginning of the 2022 season. Durability is key for a big man like him and he would step in as a starter on the line immediately for Pittsburgh.
3.) Rock Ya-Sin, Cornerback
The Steelers will probably add to the cornerback position in more ways than one in the 2024 offseason. Rock Ya-Sin was tied to Pittsburgh during 2023 free agency, but found a home in Baltimore instead. He wasn't overly productive, but is an experienced player who many could argue would be an upgrade over a potential re-signee like Levi Wallace.
His sample size from his first (and probably lone) season in Baltimore isn't extensive. He only played 29% of the defensive snaps and was on the field for just 39% of special teams plays. He wouldn't be a splash signing like Queen or Madubuike, but he might be a nice piece to add, unless the team decides to bring back a former corner who isn't necessarily beloved in Pittsburgh.
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Former Steelers cornerback Arthur Maulet (#35) warms up on the playing surface at then-Heinz Field prior to a 2021 regular season game in Pittsburgh, PA.
Steelers Reuniting With Former Cornerback Should Be Considered
4.) Arthur Maulet, Cornerback
The relationship between the Steelers and Arthur Maulet didn't exactly go swimmingly. He requested a release after an alleged contract dispute and the Ravens stepped in to grab him in the summer of 2023. He won't be a high priority for Baltimore, but Macdonald used him perfectly in the slot. Watching him throughout the year would remind a Steelers fan of Mike Hilton.
He's not going to be an All-Pro, but if Pittsburgh recognizes the value of his potential and plans to use him properly, a reunion shouldn't be out of the question. He was able to secure two sacks and an interception, with his disruption on blitzes being a key contributor to poor throws by quarterbacks. He would have an opportunity to fill the perfect role in Pittsburgh.
Do you think any of these soon-to-be free agents would be fits with the Steelers? Let us know in the comments below!
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