Baltimore Ravens linebacker Patrick Queen Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Ravens LB makes bold statement entering final year of deal

By Aaron Becker | Last updated 6/2/23

The Ravens decided to not pick up the fifth-year option of LB Patrick Queen. However, he is still confident heading into the final year of his rookie deal.

"I put us as the best linebacker duo. No discussion about it," Queen told reporters, referencing fellow LB Roquan Smith. "If you turn on the tape, you'll see it."

"I put us as the best linebacker duo." @Patrickqueen_ pic.twitter.com/xA8IRPf1oa
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) June 1, 2023

It could be a negotiation tactic, asking why Baltimore would ever consider breaking up the best linebacker duo in the league. Queen's play certainly backs up his words. He had a career-high 117 tackles, five sacks and two interceptions in 2022.

Queen may be right in that he and Smith are the best linebacker duo in the NFL. However, sometimes there just isn't enough money to go around.

In January, the Ravens gave Smith a five-year, $100 million deal, making a similar payday for Queen unlikely.

The team also drafted his potential replacement in LB Trenton Simpson with a third-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft.

Queen said Baltimore is where he wants to be but knows he'll get paid one way or another.

"It's a blessing in disguise. You see guys on both sides of it and get paid either way. At the end of the day, I'm focused on being the best teammate I can be — the best player I can be," Queen added.

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