The Pittsburgh Steelers’ headlining move on defense during 2024 free agency is also the latest storyline in the team’s long rivalry with the Baltimore Ravens.
It’s not often a player signs with a divisional rival in free agency, but former Ravens linebacker Patrick Queen did just that when he signed a three-year contract with the Steelers on March 15.
During league meetings in Orlando on March 25, Ravens head coach John Harbaugh lamented losing Queen in free agency within the AFC North.
Patrick’s a great player, a great guy,” Harbaugh said, via the Ravens’ YouTube page. “I love Patrick Queen. He’s one of my all-time favorite people. We’re gonna be friends forever. I’ll give him a hug, I guess, before the game, and I’ll root for him except for then.”
Mike Tomlin Anticipating ‘Exciting Marriage’ With Patrick Queen
The Steelers expect Queen to be a staple within an inside linebacker group that has dealt with inconsistency for several seasons.
Even after general manager Omar Khan forced complete turnover within the team’s inside linebacker room ahead of the 2023 season, injury kept Cole Holcomb and Kwon Alexander out for large portions of the year.
In four seasons with the Ravens, Queen never missed a game. That was one of the things that made the 24-year-old attractive to Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin.
“Pat’s a unique guy in that he has youth and experience,” Tomlin said, via the team’s YouTube page. “Obviously, we’re extremely familiar with him and his skillset, talent level. Excited about it. He’s an all-situations guy. He’s good versus the run. He’s good in coverage. He’s a good blitzer.”
