The Baltimore Ravens are set to lose a number of pending free agents due to salary cap restrictions this season.
One of the more notable is on the defensive side of the ball in linebacker Patrick Queen, and it could be a familiar foe that’s courting him. According to The Athletic’s Mark Kaboly, the Pittsburgh Steelers could come knocking.
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“While it might seem far-fetched, never say never with Khan,” Kaboly wrote. “The Steelers have struggled to find a reliable inside linebacker since Ryan Shazier’s injury in 2017, and Queen would be a perfect fit.
“With Cole Holcomb and Kwon Alexander coming off serious injuries (Alexander is also a free agent) and Mark Robinson struggling to take the step from special teamer to starter, the need is clear.”
The Ravens declined the fifth-year option on Queen’s rookie deal that would’ve paid the LSU product $12 million in 2024. That makes him a free agent. That doesn’t mean Baltimore isn’t happy with Queen, who has registered 453 tackles with 297 solo, 14 sacks, five forced fumbles and four interceptions over 67 games in four seasons.
But with salary cap issues pending, it was more of a business decision.
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The Steelers are in better shape financially entering 2024 but have their issues – mostly on offense – with a need for a franchise quarterback. Pittsburgh might be more wise to spend money for a bonafide No. 1 signal-caller than a linebacker.
But going after Queen in free agency would be one way to “stick it” to the rival Ravens.
