The Pittsburgh Steelers made an exciting move this offseason by signing linebacker Patrick Queen in free agency. Queen agreed to a three-year deal worth $41 million, joining an already formidable defense in Pittsburgh. While Steelers fans are thrilled about Queen's arrival, Baltimore Ravens fans are unhappy with his decision to leave their team.
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Former Baltimore Ravens linebacker Patrick Queen tackles Steelers RB Jaylen Warren.
Queen had an impressive start to his career with the Ravens, where he played for the last four years. In free agency, he faced a significant decision and ultimately chose the Steelers, even turning down a few extra million dollars. Queen's choice was motivated by his desire to play for a team with strong Super Bowl prospects. This decision has led to some trolling from Ravens fans throughout the offseason.
Roquan Smith, Queen's former teammate, shared his thoughts on facing Queen in the upcoming season during an appearance on The Ravens Lounge. Smith acknowledged that, since they both play defense, it won't be his responsibility to contend with Queen on the field. Instead, Smith pointed out that it will be up to offensive players like running back Derrick Henry, tight end Mark Andrews, and others to seek revenge against Queen.
"He's on the other side of the ball, so it's kind of hard for me to have anything to do with it. That'll be more of [Tyler] Linderbaum, D-Hen [Derrick Henry], Mark [Andrews], that'll be able to get after him," Smith said. "But I have a great deal of respect for PQ when he was here. I have much love for him. Always care for him, but definitely when we play him, he gots to get dealt with by any means necessary."
The addition of Queen to the Steelers' roster has certainly stirred emotions on both sides, adding an extra layer of excitement and rivalry to the upcoming season. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Queen's presence impacts the Steelers' defense and how the Ravens respond to his departure.
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Steelers' Patrick Queen holds up his fist during camp.
Smith believes the Ravens will beat the Steelers and after the game he will catch up with his former teammate.
"We'll talk it up at the end of the game, shaking his hand, saying, 'Good luck next week, buddy.'"
The Ravens have only beaten the Steelers three times in their last 10 matchups. Although the Ravens have been a more competitive team in the league, often ranking among the top teams, the Steelers have managed to hold their own against them. Despite being considered the "better team" by pundits, the Ravens have struggled against the Steelers, who have handled Lamar Jackson comfortably.
This offseason, the Steelers made several exciting moves, with the addition of Queen being one of the most notable. The rivalry between the Ravens and the Steelers is always intense, and adding a former player from a rival team only heightens that intensity.
Steelers' Patrick Queen Is Ready To Play The Villain In Pittsburgh
Steeler Nation is eager to see the new players in action in Pittsburgh. During training camp, Queen has already showcased his competitive spirit, engaging in some friendly trash talk with his teammates during camp.
Gene J. Puskar / Associated Press
Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen runs a drill while working on a sled during the team's 2024 Organized Team Activities (OTAs) in Pittsburgh, PA.
As an enforcer on defense, Queen is ready to embrace the villain role in 2024. Meanwhile, the Ravens have improved this offseason, particularly with the addition of Henry, one of the most dangerous running backs in the league. Smith believes Henry will seek revenge on Queen, but Steelers fans hope Queen can help slow down Henry and the Ravens' offense.
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