New Steelers ILB Patrick Queen Suffers Antagonistic, But Hilarious Social Media Posts From Ravens Teammates

The Pittsburgh Steelers made a splashy free agency play with the signing of linebacker Patrick Queen. Queen, represents the largest free agency signing at three years and $41 million in Steelers history. He joins a linebacker room that has struggled for the past several years to find someone to replace the phenom, Ryan Shazier. 

Fans are just as happy to see the Ravens lose Queen as they are for the Steelers to gain him. 

While the Ravens might be the enemy, it appears that injury is the real foe in the inside linebacker room. First-round signing Devin Bush never fully looked the same after his ACL injury and returned as a shell of his former self. Then in 2023, Cole Holcomb and Kwon Alexander both went out with season-ending injuries. 

Now, as Steelers fans and players are rejoicing and celebrating this huge, and much-needed addition to the team, by sending tweets and other social media posts, not everyone is happy to see Queen in Pittsburgh. His former teammates had some jokes about the signing. In an Instagram story posted shortly after the signing was announced, Queen's former Ravens teammate Isaiah Likely posted a photo and an announcement about the move above. He followed it up with a lighthearted request.

"I wish nothing but 0-17 in your future seasons," posted Likely, with a smiley face, letting everyone know the comment was only in jest. "Love Brudda fr fr you deserve it!"

In addition to Likely, Geno Stone, a recently signed safety for the Cincinnati Bengals, who was originally drafted by the Ravens in the same class as Queen, posted about the signing. He said he hoped that the heat would be off him for the day thanks to Queen's recent news.

Queen was a first-round pick for the Ravens in 2020 and went to his first Pro Bowl in 2023. They say the best ability is availability, and Queen has had that in spades. Unlike the Steelers linebackers, who have faced injuries that have caused them to miss significant time off the field, Queen has never missed a game. 

During his four seasons in the league, he has both played in and started 67 games. He has 297 total tackles, 37 of them for a loss, 33 quarterback hits, 13.5 sacks, six forced fumbles, and four interceptions. 

At only 24 years of age, 2023 was Queen's best season by far. He had 133 tackles, with nine for a loss, 3.5 sacks, one interception and one forced fumble. He was also named a Second Team All-Pro. 

The Ravens' decision to decline Queen's fifth-year option, just as he seems to be hitting his stride in the NFL, could prove to be a massive win for the Steelers. Just as Pittsburgh fans were getting nervous that General Manager Omar Khan wasn't doing enough, he cooks up arguably the biggest deal of his career! 

Steelers Need Veteran Stability At Inside Linebacker

The Steelers are so thin at inside linebacker, it is no surprise that the team chose to sign a veteran. There have been several names bounced around as possibilities this offseason, including Queen, Devin White, and Willie Gay Jr. 

Holcomb, who was signed to a three-year, $18 million contract in 2023, only played in eight games. He suffered a knee injury that cost him the rest of the season. This is his second major injury in as many years. That makes his future in Pittsburgh as well as the NFL uncertain. Alexander is a free agent and will be 30 in August.

The Steelers are likely not done at inside linebacker, especially considering the importance of his position. it would not be at all surprising if they also found a player in the 2024 NFL Draft, or even another in free agency. The signing of Queen puts the whole NFL on notice that the Steelers won't be exploited anymore. 

What do you think about the Queen signing? Click to comment below. 

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