New Steelers LB Patrick Queen Takes Shot From Marlon Humphrey: "He Already Gets Too Much Conversation"

The Pittsburgh Steelers had their biggest free agency signing in history this offseason with the acquisition of linebacker Patrick Queen. Queen's signing made a big splash, not just because of the length of his contract, but also because he formally played for the AFC North rival, Baltimore Ravens. 

Of course, the signing of a former Raven created quite a stir, both in Pittsburgh and Baltimore. Queen has been trash-talking almost since the beginning. He talked about wanting to be that guy, a former player who is now the "villain" of his old team. It could be just the competitor in Queen, or it could be because he feels passed over for Roquan Smith. 

Queen has fully embraced being a Yinzer. He has even gone so far as to say that the food in Pittsburgh, notably Primanti Bros., is better than the seafood in Baltimore. He even said the atmosphere in Pittsburgh is better for him. This has his former teammates and fans quite angry.  

One of those former teammates, Marlon Humphrey, again expresses his displeasure over Queen's comments. On his podcast, Punch Line Podcast with Marlon Humphrey, the cornerback marveled at Queen's comments, saying he wasn't sure if it was real or made up. 

"I guess the quote was true. I don't even understand why he had to go in on Baltimore like that, 'Pittsburgh, the city is better, the food is better, the color is better.' Like golly goodness gracious, I don't know what PQs got going on. I know he's happy over there. I did check on my guy," said Humphrey.

Humphrey added that he has seen this before with other players who left Baltimore. They tell everyone their new team is the greatest, but "reality sets in eventually," and they discover the grass isn't always greener on the other side. 

Of course, Humphrey said he doesn't know anyone who has gone from Baltimore to Pittsburgh. Regardless, he wishes nothing but the best for Queen. Humphrey appreciates and understands his positive attitude about his new team. However, he is done dedicating time on his show to discussing Queen's comments. 

"He seems happy over there, so shout out. Well, no, we're not going to shout him out, but good job, he already gets too much conversation on this show."

Queen was a first-round selection in 2020. He has grown nearly every season, having a career-high 133 tackles in 2023 and being named as a Second Team All-Pro. His detractors say that it is hard to predict how Queen will do on a new defense without Smith as his partner. 

The Steelers are hoping to find their missing defensive piece in Queen. They have struggled at inside linebacker ever since Ryan Shazier's tragic injury in 2017. In recent years, players such as Devin Bush, Cole Holcomb, and Kwon Alexander have not panned out due to injury. The Steelers hope that with Queen in the middle, opponents will no longer be able to exploit that part of the field. 

Steelers' Patrick Queen Already Stepping Up

Last season, with all of the injuries on the defense, the healthiest player seemed to get the "green dot" during the game. The green dot player is the one tasked with calling defensive plays to his teammates.    

The addition of Queen, with his experience and contract size, had people wondering if he would take over green dot responsibilities for the 2024 session. Recently, Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin confirmed this after Organized Team Activities (OTAs). 

Austin said that between his football intelligence and play-making abilities, Queen is a no-brainer as a leader on the defense. He is uniquely talented, said Austin, able to cover and blitz. He is dangerous both against the run and the pass, an every-snap type of player. 

What do you make of Queen's comments about Pittsburgh? Do you think it is sincere, or just a way to vent frustrations over not being kept in Baltimore? Click to comment below. 

#SteelerNation