Steelers' Patrick Queen Takes Direct Shot At Baltimore: "Better Atmosphere Here For Me" [In Pittsburgh]

The Pittsburgh Steelers have revamped more than one positional room throughout the 2024 offseason. The quarterback area of the depth chart has been talked about the most, while the offensive line underwent some big changes as well. Despite there just being one big free-agent addition to the linebacking core, it was a large one and deserves some attention. Patrick Queen was stolen from AFC North rival, the Baltimore Ravens, as he signed the largest free-agent contract in the Steelers' history. He is expected to come in, wear the green dot and fulfill the shoes that haven't been worn since Ryan Shazier's tragic career-ending injury back in 2017.

After a successful four years in Baltimore, the Ravens let Queen slip away after his best career season. He was voted to the Pro Bowl after a campaign in which he had 133 total tackles, nine tackles for loss, six quarterback hits, 3.5 sacks and an interception. Steelers General Manager Omar Khan did not waste any time inking him to a $41 million deal.

Mark Kaboly of The Athletic reported on Monday morning that Queen is enjoying being a Steeler, but he went into even more detail. Queen was not afraid to mince words when talking about Pittsburgh versus Baltimore. It seems like he would much rather hang out down at the Strip District or Station Square as opposed to being on the Inner Harbor of Baltimore.

"It’s a better atmosphere here for me. Everybody is cool, the people are cool, the players are cool and the food spots are better. I am a big food guy. I love food. I am more of a true food guy rather than a seafood guy. I like meat and stuff like that. It’s just a better atmosphere for me here.”

Queen talking about food is funny, but the Ravens won't be happy to hear his comments about atmosphere. That tells a someone that the overall culture is being enjoyed much more by Queen with the Steelers compared to his former team. Additionally, the city of Pittsburgh is resonating with him much more than his former home.

He didn't mention John Harbaugh in any kind of negative fashion, but did give Mike Tomlin a little bit of a shout out. Kaboly provided a quote that should make Steelers fans sincerely happy.

"It is everything that you want. You have a great head coach, a defense that can ball and puts you into a situation to succeed. I am at a point where I want to win. I know Pittsburgh hasn’t won anything in a while, but they were in the playoffs, so they have a chance. To me, the team got better at every position. It’s just now at the point where we have to go do it."

Queen will be the perfect addition for a Pittsburgh defense that has Elandon Roberts, Cole Holcomb (recovering from an ACL tear), newcomer Payton Wilson and Mark Robinson. Queen, a first-round pick by Baltimore in 2020, has played in, and started all 67 games of his career. He should provide a great deal of consistency in the linebackers' room.

Tomlin and co. are setting it up in a way that could have the Steelers putting one of the NFL's best defenses out on the field in 2024. As always, health will be key, but it sure is starting to look like Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin will have a lot of fun with his group.

Kaboly noted that someone told Queen to be careful what he says in case his comments found a way down to Baltimore. Simply put, he's not worried about who hears his opinion.

"I don’t care … it’s the truth,” Queen said. “I am not saying anything bad about them. I am just speaking the truth," Queen said.

Steelers More Than Happy To Take Queen From The Ravens

Fans in the Steel City had hope that Khan might make a splash for a big-name free agent, and Queen was discussed often once the offseason officially began. Now, if he performs at a high level, the organization will have him for at least three seasons. He will be just 25 years of age once the season kicks off, so it shouldn't come as a surprise a few years down the line if he is signing another contract in Pittsburgh.

Are you surprised that Queen said directly that the Steelers' atmosphere is better than the Ravens? Let us know in the comments below!

#SteelerNation