Linebacker Patrick Queen is switching allegiances, with the Steelers signing the Ravens linebacker three-year contract.
This is according to a report from ESPN. According to Adam Schefter, Queen confirmed to Marcus Spears that he is signing a contract worth $41 million.
The Ravens selected Queen, the former LSU star, in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He is coming off a Pro Bowl year for one of the best defenses in the NFL. He made 133 tackles, with 3.5 sacks and one interception last season.
The Steelers needed an inside linebacker and they got him in Queen. Russell Wilson, the newest Steelers quarterback, screamed out the news via X, sharing, “QUEEEEENNN!”
New Steelers LB made some history with Ravens
It took Queen a while to live up to his first round billing. He became an NFL star by his third season. He leaves the Ravens as one of only three linebackers in team history to post at least three seasons with the combo of at least 100 tackles, with one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. The others were big names — Hall of Fame linebacker Ray Lewis and C.J. Mosley, who made five Pro Bowls.
The Ravens probably would have preferred to keep Queen. But they had already re-signed fellow defenders Roquan Smith and Justin Madubuike to hefty contracts.
NFL free agency started Monday, although technically, the new league year is not until Wednesday.
The Steelers have been busy the last two days, agreeing to deals with Wilson, the former Seahawk and Bronco, and now Queen.
Steelers fans will want to see how easily Queen can make the transition from the Ravens to Pittsburgh. The two teams are fierce rivals. In fact, Queen said last season that he always got focused on facing the Steelers, recalling that coach Mike Tomlin screamed at him during his rookie season. According to Queen, Tomlin told him “you are not a Raven.” The coach meant he could not be one until he beat the Steelers. Now, Tomlin comes off as a fortune teller.
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