Steelers' Patrick Queen Shares The Truth About His Departure From Baltimore

The Pittsburgh Steelers made an unusual move to pay big money to former Baltimore Ravens linebacker Patrick Queen in the 2024 offseason. The Steelers signed Queen to a three-year deal worth $41 million, even with Queen taking a pay cut to join Pittsburgh. He chose the Steelers because he wanted to be part of a winning culture, rather than settling for a team he felt had less promise. For Steelers fans, the signing was a double victory, as they acquired a recent All-Pro talent and simultaneously weakened one of their biggest rivals in the AFC North.

Though Queen's transition was celebrated in Pittsburgh, Ravens fans reacted bitterly, labeling him a "traitor" for crossing over to a division rival. However, Queen recently spoke with Mike DeFabo to clarify the circumstances. He revealed that he never received a contract offer from the Ravens and had no communication from Baltimore once he hit free agency. According to Queen, he had to process the emotional fallout of not being retained by the only team he’d played for, admitting it took him until late summer to fully move past the disappointment.

Now, with Queen getting comfortable in Pittsburgh, he’s channeled any lingering frustration into his performance, helping to lead a rejuvenated Steelers defense. For Queen, joining the Steelers has become not only a great career move but also a chance to prove himself against the team that gave up on him. 

"Let me see how I wanna answer this," Queen said when asked about leaving Baltimore. "I wasn't wanted back. I didn't get an offer back. It's definitely kind of upsetting, being there for four years, the bond that you grow with your teammates. At the end of the day, the first few months, you definitely go through those feelings."

The Steelers are set to face the Ravens in Week 11, and the matchup promises to be electric, with key players from both teams having switched sides.

Queen admitted this game will carry extra intensity and personal meaning for him, making it one of the season's most anticipated clashes.

"Like I said, I will have feelings obviously," Queen said. "Anybody in my position would this week, but I am just taking it one day at a time and whatever happens, happens."

The Steelers are sitting comfortably at 7-2, with the Ravens close behind at 7-3. This game carries immense weight—not just because of the fierce rivalry, but due to its implications in the heated AFC North race. 

The division appears set to come down to the Steelers and Ravens, making both matchups crucial for determining who will emerge on top.

Steelers Have Been Kryptonite For Ravens' Lamar Jackson

In recent meetings, the Steelers have managed to get the better of the Ravens, with Lamar Jackson historically struggling against Pittsburgh's defense. This season, Jackson is playing at an MVP level and has an array of weapons to support him, making for an exciting showdown. 

The Steelers' defense, however, has been dominant, and the question is whether they can once again slow down Jackson and the Ravens' high-powered offense. Queen will be especially motivated to disrupt his former team’s attack and make a statement.

#SteelerNation