Insider believes Steelers landed 'defensive cornerstone' in free agency

The Steelers have been one of the most active teams in free agency this offseason, landing several players who should make an impact for them in 2024.

However, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler believes one of Pittsburgh's newest additions will be a key piece to its defense for many years to come.

In fact, Fowler thinks the Steelers' signing of former Ravens inside linebacker Patrick Queen is the "best overall free agent signing" thus far.

"Pittsburgh gets a defensive cornerstone at a position that has long been depleted," Fowler writes. "Adding a fourth defensive star alongside T.J. Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick and Cameron Heyward will pay off in the AFC North. And bonus points for stealing Queen from the rival Ravens."

The Steelers not only stole Queen from their AFC North division rival, but they also got him for a song, signing him to a three-year, $41 million contract. The belief around the league was that the 24-year-old could have made upwards of $18 million per year.

Still, Queen became Pittsburgh's highest-paid free-agent signing in franchise history, and rightfully so. 

He has been one of the most productive inside linebackers in the league over the past couple of years, posting 250 tackles, 8.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, three interceptions and 12 defensed passes.

Queen also fills a major hole for the Steelers, who have been searching for a sideline-to-sideline inside linebacker since losing Ryan Shazier to a spinal injury in 2017.

Pittsburgh has mixed and matched veterans for years and watched linebackers Cole Holcomb (knee) and Kwon Alexander (Achilles) suffer season-ending injuries last season.

General manager Omar Khan finally said it was enough, going all in on Queen. Fowler, like many, believes it will pay off for the Steelers as Queen is set to become the "quarterback" of their star-studded defense for the foreseeable future.