Steelers LB Patrick Queen reflects on aggravating 2024 season

Patrick Queen had a career season in 2023 with the Baltimore Ravens. The 25-year-old capped off his rookie contract by earning Second-Team All-Pro honors.

Last offseason, he jumped ship to sign a three-year, $41 million contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Queen was to be a force in the middle of Pittsburgh’s defense. While he earned another Pro Bowl nod in 2024, his overall performance dipped. Queen recently admitted it wasn’t the season he imagined for himself.

“For me, personally, I think I could have expectations and surpass them, and I’d still be upset that I didn’t do more,” Queen said, via Brian Batko of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. “I’m always going to be searching and looking for more that I can do, trying to be the best player I can be for my team and for myself. I didn’t do that last year. That’s what really aggravated me this whole offseason.”

Queen started all 17 games for the Steelers. He tallied 129 tackles (65 solo), one sack and two forced fumbles. Yes, Queen stepped into a new system under defensive coordinator Teryl Austin. But Queen isn’t blaming anyone but himself.

“It wasn’t the season I wanted,” Queen said. “Just because I didn’t play the type of football I wanted to. You could blame it on a whole new system and all that other stuff, but at the end of the day, I’m a professional football player. That was Year 5. So, I think I should’ve been a little more well-prepared for that. I definitely take all accountability for that.”

Patrick Queen turning page to 2025 after down season

The Steelers are clearly all-in on the 2025 season after signing quarterback Aaron Rodgers and cornerback Darius Slay, and acquiring receiver DK Metcalf, tight end Jonnu Smith and cornerback Jalen Ramsey.

Pittsburgh will need more from Queen. He’s looking forward to putting 2024 behind him.

“Being able to go through that process of being at the top of my game and then going down.” Queen said. “It kind of fuels you even more to get back to your old self.”