The Pittsburgh Steelers made some significant moves this offseason. One of the most exciting was signing former rival Patrick Queen to a three-year deal worth $41 million. Queen, who spent four seasons with the Baltimore Ravens, tested the free agent market after his contract expired. The Steelers, not typically known for big spending, went all in to secure Queen.
Charles LeClaire / USA TODAY Sports
Pittsburgh Steelers running back Najee Harris (#22) shakes hands with former Ravens linebacker Patrick Queen (#6) after a professional football contest in Pittsburgh, PA..
Queen even turned down several million dollars to join Pittsburgh, wanting to ensure he played for a contender. Some of the Steelers' running backs and offensive players admitted there was some bad blood with Queen due to his history with the Ravens. However, this has since been squashed, and the offensive players are thrilled to have Queen on their defense.
Despite this reconciliation, practices remain super heated and intense. During the Steelers' Friday Night Lights event at Latrobe Memorial Stadium, the backs on backers drill stole the show. Star running backs Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren shined, with Harris putting on a particularly impressive performance.
Backs on backers is *chippy* after Jaylen Warren holds his own against Elandon Roberts two times in a row. A little good natured scrum breaks out after the second rep, and after the first, Najee Harris got in Patrick Queen’s face doing a little trash talking. Harris got the…
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) August 3, 2024
Harris dominated Queen in back-to-back reps during the drill. Reports from practice indicated that Harris even got in Queen's face afterward, adding a bit of fire to the competition. This intensity and competitive spirit highlight the team's drive to excel this season, showcasing both their new additions and established stars in a promising light.
The top two RBs showed out on #Steelers backs on backers:
— Christopher Carter (@CarterCritiques) August 3, 2024
Najee Harris PANCAKED Patrick Queen and stood over top of him after the block.
Queen calls for his rematch, Harris stone’s him and talks in his face.
Jaylen Warren got beat by Elandon Roberts, who taunted Warren…
While Harris got the better of Queen twice, Warren initially struggled, getting beat by linebacker Elandon Roberts. However, Warren redeemed himself in a later rep and talked a ton of trash afterward. Pundits at the practice noted that both the running backs and linebackers were engaging in a lot of spirited trash talk.
ABC Sports
Steelers' Jaylen Warren bullies a Bengals defender.
While you don't want to see teammates fight, there's nothing wrong with a little good-natured trash talk. Football is an intense sport, and it's natural for things to get heated. It's encouraging to see both the running backs and linebackers playing with an edge and getting in each other's faces. This is a good sign for the Steelers, as it shows the team is filled with hungry players ready to put punishment on opposing teams.
Steelers Players Practicing With Renewed Intensity
The energy in Pittsburgh is different this year. Harris is playing with extra motivation after his fifth-year option was declined. He has slimmed down, and many pundits are reporting that he looks faster and better than ever. Warren always plays like he's an underdog, having come into the Steelers undrafted and had to fight for every rep. Warren's relentless drive and edge are evident in his play. Both running backs have been practicing hard and showing leadership.
@TheStandard412 / X
Steelers players fight during camp.
The linebacker group is exciting as well. Queen and Roberts are expected to have massive 2024 seasons. The newfound energy between these groups should help the Steelers win a lot of games in the upcoming season. It's exciting for Steelers fans to hear how hard these guys are practicing and how motivated they are. This intensity and competitive spirit bode well for the team's prospects, as they prepare to bring this fire into the regular season.
#SteelerNation
