Friday, newly added star linebacker for the Pittsburgh Steelers, Patrick Queen was able to speak to the media for the first time following signing with Pittsburgh. Queen signed a three-year deal worth $41 million, looking to help this team reach its seventh Super Bowl victory. Queen expressed his excitement being able to play for such a historical and winning franchise, also touching on how he plans to come into Pittsburgh as a leader for their defense.
Rich Schultz / ap photo
Former Baltimore Ravens linebacker, Patrick Queen (6) chases down the football during a game.
Queen is a former first round pick in 2020 out of LSU by the Steelers' arch rival, the Baltimore Ravens. During his first four years with the Ravens, Queen racked up 454 total tackles, 13.5 sacks, 5 forced fumbles, 6 fumble recoveries, and 4 interceptions. Queen was Second Team All-Pro in 2023 and was one of the best free agents available on the market. With the Steelers needing desperate help at the linebacker position, reaching a deal with Queen gave a huge sigh of relief for Steelers fans.
During his press conference with the media, Queen was asked if he sees himself growing into a leader on this Steelers defense.
"Yeah, I think that should be day one, I don't think there's time to wait. I think that day one when I step in, that I got to be that guy. That's why I came here, just to be that guy. I think it will be a natural fit, I don't think I've got to force anything, or step out of my comfort zone or be anything else besides what I am now."
Queen shows excitement to be in Pittsburgh, especially to be able to take the field with so many standout players, like TJ Watt, Cam Heyward, and Minkah Fitzpatrick. Pittsburgh has been looking for their next elite linebacker ever since Ryan Shazier's tragic injury in 2017. The Steelers have had a plethora of linebackers come in to replace that spot, but none have panned out. Queen should be the next lethal middle linebacker that can make game changing plays for this Pittsburgh defense.
Shawn Hubbard / Baltimore Ravens
Steelers Sign Ravens LB Patrick Queen
Queen has been a leader for the Ravens defense alongside guys like Roquan Smith (LB) and Kyle Hamilton (DB) the past few seasons. As Queen said, it should be relatively quick, easy, and natural for him to fit into a physical Steelers defense that would only benefit from adding more leaders. Stealing Queen from Baltimore makes it all so much better, and it will only add some more gas into the fire within a heated rivalry.
Steelers and Ravens Rivalry Could Heat Up Even More In 2024
Neither the Steelers nor the Ravens are pleased with the way their 2023-24 seasons ended. The Steelers were sitting strong at 7-4 a little over midway through the year, but ultimately let their season slip away while quarterback Kenny Pickett was on the Injured Reserve List. The Ravens had Super Bowl expectations, but failed to get past the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship game.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers running back, Jaylen Warren (30) against the Baltimore Ravens.
The Steelers are 7-1 against the Ravens since the 2020 season, and that loss came mostly thanks to quarterback Mitch Trubisky and his 3 interceptions. The Ravens will look to turn the tables and get back to winning more games in the AFC North next season, as the Steelers plan on continuing to have the Ravens' number.
What do you think, Steeler Nation? How will Queen's presence as a leader on this Steelers defense not only help the Steelers reach another Super Bowl, but also heat up a historic AFC North rivalry? Let us know below.
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