The Pittsburgh Steelers have had an exhilarating offseason, upgrading nearly every position except the wide receiver room. The most significant improvement came at the critical quarterback position. With new Offensive Coordinator, Arthur Smith in town, the coaching staff and personnel have also seen enhancements.
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Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen runs a drill while working on a sled during the team's 2024 Organized Team Activities (OTAs) in Pittsburgh, PA.
The special teams unit is now brimming with playmakers, and the defense has strengthened as well. The standout move in free agency was the Steelers' decision to sign former Baltimore Ravens linebacker, Patrick Queen to a three-year, $41 million deal. Queen joins the Steelers after four solid seasons with the Ravens.
While Steelers fans are thrilled about Queen's addition, not everyone shares their enthusiasm. Seth Walder of ESPN Analytics reviewed the offseason moves for all 32 teams, including the Steelers. His analysis of the Steelers' decision to sign Queen was critical, detailing why he believes the move is risky for the team.
“The Steelers also signed linebacker Patrick Queen to a three-year, $41 million contract. Though I didn't love the move given Queen's risks -- he plays a non-premium position and thrived only once he played next to Roquan Smith -- this was a cheaper deal than I expected him to get.”
The Ravens acquired Roquan Smith through a trade with the Chicago Bears in late October 2022. Following Smith's arrival, Walder noted a significant improvement in Queen's performance. Walder believes Queen struggled before Smith's presence. Drafted in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft, Queen played four seasons with the Ravens, starting all 67 games he was available for.
During his time with the Ravens, Queen amassed 454 combined tackles, 13.5 sacks, four interceptions, 15 passes defended, five forced fumbles, six fumble recoveries, and scored one defensive touchdown.
The Mercury News
Former Baltimore Ravens linebacker, Patrick Queen intercepts a pass during a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Queen is an exciting linebacker and is quickly becoming one of the best in the NFL. Despite Walder's critique, the Steelers' decision to sign Queen represents a substantial upgrade to an already strong linebacker room. The Steelers' defense is now loaded and is poised to be one of the best in the NFL in 2024.
Steelers' Patrick Queen Has One Big Goal In 2024
Queen has set ambitious goals since joining the Steelers. One of his primary objectives is to establish himself as one of the top three linebackers in the NFL, regardless of his exact rank within that trio. Naturally, he also aims to help the Steelers win and seeks revenge against his former team, the Ravens, in their intense rivalry.
Shawn Hubbard / Baltimore Ravens
Former Baltimore Ravens linebacker, Patrick Queen gets ready to make a play during a practice.
Queen is ready to embrace his role on the opposing side of the rivalry, eagerly stepping into the villain's shoes to help the Steelers end their playoff drought. The team hasn't won a playoff game since the 2016 season. With the recent upgrades and new additions, Steelers fans are hopeful that the 2024 season will mark the end of that drought.
While many pundits have praised the decision to sign Queen, there have been a few critiques. Regardless, the Steelers made an uncharacteristic move by investing heavily in Queen during free agency. Typically, the Steelers are not big spenders, but they made an exception for Queen, weakening their biggest rivals and bolstering their already formidable defense.
The Steelers' defense is now the highest-paid in the NFL and is filled with playmakers across the field, giving fans plenty of reasons to be optimistic about the 2024 season.
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