The Pittsburgh Steelers sought to fix their struggles at the inside linebacker position during the 2023 offseason by bringing in Elandon Roberts, Cole Holcomb and Kwon Alexander. Injuries decimated that group, in particular for Holcomb and Alexander, whose injuries were season-ending. Seeking to retool that position once again, the Steelers signed Patrick Queen early in the 2024 offseason. This time, though, the move feels like the Steelers got themselves a star.
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Linebacker Patrick Queen leaves the field following a game with the Baltimore Ravens
Queen played for the Baltimore Ravens for the first four years of his career, which makes Pittsburgh's acquisition of the linebacker all the more sweet. After a Pro Bowl 2023 season, Queen wanted a chance to prove that he was the guy apart from Roquan Smith, and the Steelers are giving him that chance with a three-year, $41 million contract. ESPN senior NFL reporter Jeremy Fowler is a big fan of the signing by Pittsburgh. On Friday, Fowler was asked what the best 2024 free agent signing in the NFL was, and the Steelers immediately came to his mind.
"Steelers signing LB Patrick Queen to a three-year, $41 million contract. Pittsburgh gets a defensive cornerstone at a position that has long been depleted. Adding a fourth defensive star alongside T.J. Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and Cameron Heyward will pay off in the AFC North. And bonus points for stealing Queen from the rival Ravens. His contract is reasonable, as the Steelers can get out of it after one year and $13.84 million -- though they won't want to do that."
Pittsburgh's defense suffered greatly down the stretch due to a patchwork linebacker group that eventually included calling Myles Jack out of retirement for the final stretch of the 2023 season. Despite those injury-based struggles, the Steelers' defense was a major factor in them achieving a Wild Card berth, even if it did result in a loss to the Buffalo Bills. With Holcomb coming off a major knee injury, Queen will be looked to immediately for stability and consistency in the middle of the field.
During his time with the Ravens, Queen wasn't relied on to rack up the sacks (13.5 in four seasons), instead focusing on sideline-to-sideline speed and a violent tackling ability. From 2021 to 2023, Queen played all 17 games of Baltimore's season, showing a knack for producing while staying on the field. Pittsburgh needs both of those talents for 2024 and beyond, and if Queen can prove that he is capable of commanding an NFL defense, $41 million is a bargain.
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Steelers veteran linebacker Elandon Roberts takes part in drills led by position coach Aaron Curry during OTAs at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex
Steelers Not Done Bringing In Talent
While Queen may be seen by Fowler as the biggest free agent signing of the 2024 offseason, Pittsburgh isn't finished making moves. One piece of the puzzle is to bring in a receiver to challenge opposing defenses. Pittsburgh traded Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers, opening the door for a new name in black and gold.
%202023%20Camp%20Final%20with%20Logos/2L9A5310-544x306.jpg "Steelers - George Pickens")
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Pittsburgh Steelers receiver George Pickens at training camp
George Pickens is eager to prove that he is able to carry a team as their number one receiver, but that may not stop the Steelers from bringing in a big name. Two huge swings that the Steelers have been potentially linked to could both instantly upgrade the offense. There have been concerns that signing a big-name receiver could rub Pickens the wrong way, but if it would ultimately benefit the team as a whole, Pittsburgh could take that chance.
Both Justin Jefferson and Brandon Aiyuk have been connected to the Steelers and would be massive acquisitions if that is the direction the franchise decides to go. Russell Wilson will be the starting quarterback going into Pittsburgh's 2024 training camp, and that was hardly expected. With moves like bringing in Wilson and Queen happening for the Steelers, the idea of a star receiver entering the picture isn't so far-fetched.
If either Jefferson or Aiyuk ends up coming to the Steelers, it will be because the franchise determined that the price was worth the end result; otherwise, it will be all on Pickens in 2024. Pickens has shown star potential in his two NFL seasons, but can he shoulder the leadership that comes with being a starting receiver? That will be for Pittsburgh to determine, but if they choose Pickens over other big names, it would show their commitment to the second-year receiver.
Who else will the Steelers bring in at receiver for 2024?
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