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Baltimore Ravens LB Patrick Queen Projected to Break the Bank

Originally posted on Gridiron Heroics | By Matt Lombardo | Last updated 3/8/24

The Baltimore Ravens may struggle to keep one of the pillars of the defense.

Queen is expected to be one of the most coveted linebackers on the open market, once free agency begins in earnest on March 13. Coming off one of the strongest seasons of his career, it could be difficult for the Ravens to re-sign Queen.

Pro Football Focus projects Queen to fetch a colossal free agent contract.

“Looking at Queen’s entire Baltimore career would not paint a clear picture of his current form,” Zoltán Buday writes for PFF. “He was a completely different player over the past one-and-a-half seasons, morphing into an impact linebacker following the Ravens’ trade for Roquan Smith. Since Week 9 of the 2022 season, Queen has played the fourth-most snaps among linebackers and is one of only eight to have earned PFF grades over 70.0 in run defense and coverage.”

Last season, Queen was critical to the Baltimore Ravens making a run to the AFC Championship Game largely on the back of the defense, posting a career-high 133 total tackles with 3.5 sacks and one interception.

Even after the salary cap has risen to an unprecedented $255.4 million this offseason, the Baltimore Ravens are currently $7.35 million over the cap and must be cap-compliant prior to the new league year opening on March 13. That isn’t exactly conducive to a Queen return.

Where is Baltimore Ravens LB Patrick Queen’s Best Free Agent Fit?

Expect a robust market for Queen.

Especially because since being chosen No. 6 overall by the Ravens in the 2020 NFL Draft he’s posted 454 total tackles with 13.5 sacks and four interceptions.

Patrick Queen should generate a lot of free-agent interest given his athleticism and versatility. Expand your coverage and pressure concepts, and add a TFL machine to your defense. pic.twitter.com/VseYHZfLuf

— Doug Farrar ✍ (@NFL_DougFarrar) March 8, 2024

In what could only be deemed a worst-case scenario for the Baltimore Ravens, the Cleveland Browns make a lot of sense for Queen. Upgrading the talent at inside linebacker is a top priority for the Browns this offseason.

Likewise, the Philadelphia Eagles have the resources, spending flexibility under the cap, and a significant void at linebacker on a defense they’re looking to rebuild in new coordinator Vic Fangio’s mold. Queen would be an ideal veteran leader and productive linebacker anchoring a young front seven.

In all likelihood, Queen is going to have the ability to pick a contending team with cap space where he can make an immediate impact once free agency gets underway.

This article first appeared on Gridiron Heroics and was syndicated with permission.

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