The Pittsburgh Steelers stole a star linebacker from their AFC North rivals in the Baltimore Ravens when they signed Patrick Queen. The Steelers signed him to a three year deal worth $41 million.
It's always a plus weakening a division rival and getting one of their best players on the defensive side of the football. The Steelers also got another former Raven who played for the Miami Dolphins in 2023 in safety DeShon Elliott. The Ravens also have a former Steeler who's made himself very comfortable in his new city playing for Baltimore. Arthur Maulet who plays cornerback for the Ravens.
The 30 year old, Maulet recently appeared on the Glenn Clark Radio Show, posted on PressBox Sports' YouTube channel. During the appearance, Maulet was prompted to talk about Queen switching sides and joining his former team, the Steelers.
"It's football, man. Obviously, it's business is business. It's a rivalry. Don't get me wrong, I don't like those guys anymore. I respect them, I don't have to like them. I respect those guys on the other side, and obviously, I want PQ to have so much success, but not against us."
Throughout the course of the 2023 NFL season, Maulet's role within the Ravens' defensive unit was characterized by his contribution, albeit in a limited starting capacity. He started in just three games in 2023. Despite this, his impact was shown on the field, as evidenced by his impressive statistical output. Maulet showcased his talents as a cornerback grabbing one interception and defending five passes.
However, Maulet's defensive prowess extended beyond his coverage skills. He demonstrated his keen awareness and ability to capitalize on opportunities by recovering two fumbles. These fumble recoveries halted potential offensive drives and shifted momentum in favor of the Ravens. Furthermore, his commitment to defensive excellence was evident in his robust tackling performance, amassing a total of 37 combined tackles throughout the season.
Yet, Maulet's contributions transcended traditional defensive metrics. His impact was felt in the trenches as well, as he relentlessly pressured opposing quarterbacks, registering three quarterback hits that disrupted passing rhythms and forced errant throws. Additionally, his ability to penetrate the backfield resulted in five tackles for a loss, effectively stalling running plays and inflicting negative yardage upon the opposition.
Despite not holding the spotlight as the primary star of the Ravens' defense, Maulet's seamless integration into their defensive rotation underscores his value and versatility. With his knack for excelling in multiple aspects of the game, Maulet proves himself to be an invaluable asset to the team's success. It appears likely that Maulet will continue his career in Baltimore for as long as they'll have him. He recently signed a two year deal with the team.
The exchange of former Steelers and Ravens players switching sides undoubtedly spices up the rivalry. Queen hasn't been shy about his goal in Pittsburgh – he's here to play the villain. This declaration has ignited Steelers fans, adding fuel to the rivalry fire. With Queen joining an already formidable defense, the Steelers' defensive lineup now ranks among the league's finest. It'll be fascinating to see how Queen embraces this role. Steeler Nation has embraced his eagerness to be in Pittsburgh, and his efforts even played a part in bringing his former Ravens teammate, Elliott, to the Steel City.
Former Steelers' Arthur Maulet Had A Short Career In Pittsburgh
During his two-season tenure with the Steelers, Maulet appeared in 33 games but started in only eight. Despite limited starts, he managed to make an impact, securing one interception, deflecting four passes, and forcing two fumbles. Additionally, he tallied an impressive 106 tackles during his time in Pittsburgh. While he proved to be a solid player, Maulet felt he deserved more than what the Steelers were offering. Thus, he made the decision to switch to the Ravens, where he believed his true value would be recognized.
The Steelers weren't thrilled to see Maulet go, as he played a significant role in their defense. Known for his reliability in coverage, Maulet particularly shined during the 2022 season with the Steelers.
Having experienced the transition from one side of the rivalry to the other, Maulet is well-versed in the dynamics at play. In a recent interview, he emphasized his understanding of the business aspect of the game but also expressed his commitment to embracing the rivalry. He didn't mince words when he made it clear: he doesn't like the Steelers, and they don't like him – at least not when he's on the field as a football player.
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