Steelers' Patrick Queen Sends Big Time Message To Ravens: "I Want To Be That Villain"

The Pittsburgh Steelers made a huge splash by picking up linebacker Patrick Queen. Queen, who was with the AFC North rival Baltimore Ravens since being drafted in 2020, fills a huge void on the Steelers roster. The inside linebacker position is one the Steelers have struggled to fill adequately since Ryan Shazier's tragic injury in 2017. 

After signing his three-year, $41 million contract, Queen met with the media at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex. He was asked about coming to the Black and Gold and why he wanted to come to Pittsburgh. He gestured to Head Coach Mike Tomlin and said it was in part about playing for him, but also about being part of this kind of historic franchise.     

"The organization itself, known for winning, known for great defense and they got a bunch of stars over here. I just wanted to come be a part of that, be that extra piece, to try to win again." In response to playing against his old team, Queen added, "I want to be that villain, I want to be that guy. I'm looking to do some stuff to them."

Queen who was a standout at LSU, was one of the most highly touted linebackers available in free agency. He admitted that he didn't expect to be in this position, shifting sides of the field to play for the enemy. But he said he had an inkling how much Tomlin liked him when he made that joke Queen's rookie year, about not being a Raven until he beat the Steelers. 

Queen was asked to elaborate on that idea of "being a villain" and how he feels that his game fits in with what the Steelers' defense already does. 

"I'm snarky, I'm always in somebody's face. I'm willing to be physical, fast, fierce. I'm just aware of what's going on in the game, situations, the plays that we need to look for."

Queen will be that missing link for a smothering Steelers defense, as he joins stars like T.J. Watt, Cameron Heyward, and Minkah Fitzpatrick. He is filling such a vital role that the team was willing to offer him the largest free agent contract in the organization's history. This can only serve to help the Steelers as Queen's former team, the Ravens, had just announced they were adding a king to their roster with the signing of running back Derrick Henry.   

The Steelers thought they had found the solution to their inside linebacker problem in 2023 with the signings of Cole Holcomb and Kwon Alexander. Unfortunately, both of them suffered season-ending injuries that have added question marks to their futures. While Elandon Roberts and Mark Robinson did the best they could to fill in, that part of the defense was routinely exploited by opponents. 

Steelers' Mike Tomlin Has Apparently Won Patrick Queen Over

In Queen's rookie season, Tomlin made his now famous taunt at Queen, reportedly telling him, "You're not a Raven. You're not supposed to be there, you're not one of them." In his press conference, Queen laughed that he wanted to fight Tomlin at the time. After all, for a young player who doesn't have experience with Tomlin, it must have felt like a mind game. Now, he admits that he can see it as a sign of respect for the way he plays. 

Since that incident, Tomlin has sung Queen's praises at press conferences. Ahead of the two team's Week 18 matchup at the end of last season, Tomlin laid the compliments on thick, perhaps paving the way for a possible free agency deal. In a post she put out after the acquisition of Queen, Brooke Pryor reminded everyone of Tomlin's sentiments. 

"On the defensive side of the ball, man they're just really getting after people. It starts with that inside linebacker tandem of Roquan [Smith] and Patrick Queen. They're a tandem for all circumstances. They're good in the run game, whether it's downhill or on the perimeter. They're good in the passing game, whether it's coverage or as blitzers or rushers. They're a catalyst for a lot that goes on with that group."

The 24-year-old linebacker has his best football years ahead of him. He brings more than just depth to Pittsburgh. He has experience playing in a highly successful defense and knows exactly how tough the AFC North is. Hopefully, he is also playing with a little chip on his shoulder that the Ravens went with Roquan Smith instead of him. Regardless, Steelers fans love a good villain! 

What do you think about Queen coming as a villain on the Steelers' defense? Click to comment below. 

#SteelerNation