The Pittsburgh Steelers made waves with a significant acquisition, securing former Baltimore Ravens linebacker Patrick Queen with a lucrative three-year, $41 million contract. Queen, a former 28th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, now will find himself donning the black and gold jersey, adding a formidable presence to the Steelers' defense. He's made it clear that his intention is to be a villain on the football field.
The Mercury News
Former Baltimore Ravens and now Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker makes an interception while falling down
The storied rivalry between the Steelers and Ravens adds an extra layer of intrigue to Queen's move, as players and , more notably, Ravens fans have expressed their displeasure at seeing him switch allegiances. His former teammates have been joking around, but fans not as much.
The transition from one bitter rival to another has stirred emotions, prompting Queen to address the backlash on social media.
"Honestly bruh y'all can stf* now. It's not even that deep for us players until game week and y'all can't understand the fact it wasn't up to me. I gave y'all everything I had now when it's time for me to do what I need y'all hurt bout everything I say. Go touch some grass and fill the void in y'all life. To ones still showing love even with the switch this not to yall."
The post serves as a testament to the intensity and passion that permeates the rivalry between these two AFC powerhouses. Since his draft day, Queen has embodied unwavering consistency and a relentless pursuit of excellence, gracing the field for a remarkable 67 consecutive games. Within this impressive tenure, he has amassed a staggering 453 tackles, a testament to his mastery in halting opposing offenses, with an astounding 296 tackles executed solo.
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Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (#22) shakes hands with former Ravens linebacker Patrick Queen (#6) after a professional football contest in Pittsburgh, PA..
Beyond his defensive prowess, Queen has displayed remarkable versatility, tallying 37 tackles for a loss, 13.5 sacks, and 33 quarterback hits, establishing himself as an indomitable force in every matchup.
Not confined to tackles alone, Queen's impact reverberates across the field, highlighted by four interceptions, 15 passes defensed, five forced fumbles, and five fumble recoveries. Queen also added a remarkable pic six during his rookie season.
In the standout season of 2023, Queen ascended to new heights, etching his name into the annals of football history with a series of dazzling performances. His performance during the 2023 season couldn't have come at a better time for Queen as it set him up for the massive contract he signed with the Steelers. Setting personal records ablaze, he amassed a staggering 133 tackles, with an astonishing 84 executed solo, showcasing his unrivaled ability to dismantle opposing offenses with finesse and precision.
Steelers’ 2024 Season Can’t Get Here Soon Enough
In 2023, Queen earned his first Pro Bowl selection, a notable achievement as he gears up to showcase his skills in Pittsburgh during the upcoming 2024 season. With Queen's arrival, the Steelers' already formidable defense gains an undeniable edge, promising to reach unprecedented heights in the upcoming 2024 season. Steeler Nation finds itself abuzz with anticipation, eagerly awaiting the thrilling spectacle that lies ahead.
Over the weekend, Omar Khan, demonstrating his astute maneuvering, orchestrated yet another strategic move for the Steelers. In a coup, Pittsburgh finalized a trade with the Chicago Bears, acquiring the talented quarterback Justin Fields in exchange for a sixth-round pick in 2025. The sixth-round pick has the potential to escalate to a fourth-round selection for Chicago based on Fields' playing time in the upcoming season.
USA Today
Steelers backup QB Justin Fields talks with members of the Chicago Bears media after a game
With these two monumental transactions, the Steelers have bolstered their quarterback arsenal significantly. The acquisition of Russell Wilson presents an immediate opportunity for success, while the addition of Fields signifies a promising future for the franchise. Fields will serve as the backup to Wilson throughout the 2024 season, solidifying the Steelers' roster with arguably the most formidable backup quarterback in the NFL.
After the 2024 season the quarterback situation will get much more complex for Pittsburgh. However, that's a good problem to have. For fans adorned in black and gold, the present moment is imbued with excitement and optimism as the team embarks on a thrilling new chapter.
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