Steelers' Patrick Queen Reveals The Big Difference Between Pittsburgh And Baltimore

The Pittsburgh Steelers players, including rookies and veterans, have mostly all returned to participate in Organized Team Activities (OTAs). For players like linebacker Patrick Queen, who is originally from AFC North rival, the Baltimore Ravens, the OTAs allow him an opportunity to figure out the differences between two teams that have much in common. Queen told the media that most of it is in regards to his own mindset. 

Queen, a first-round pick out of LSU in 2020, showed a lot of potential, but never quite had the breakout year that was expected of him until Roquan Smith joined the team in 2022. Smith and Queen joined forces and wreaked havoc on opposing offenses. They both earned Pro Bowl nods for the 2023 season.  

He is joining another high-powered defense with the Steelers, and both parties are excited about the partnership. Regardless, the art of comparison isn't unfamiliar to fans. When speaking about any of division rivals, fans want to know that the Steelers are the best. It isn't surprising that after OTAs, Queen was asked by the media about the biggest difference between where he came from, the Ravens, and where he is now, in Pittsburgh. 

"When you get experience, things slow down. You start to understand things more, start to understand people more. Because when you're young, you're a rookie coming in the NFL, it's like, 'Don't trust nothing, don't trust nobody, guard yourself.' It's always the old guys are gonna try and ruin it for you and stuff. I kinda came into the league with the wrong mindset. Now, it's just I've got the experience. I know how to treat people. I know how people need to treat me. Experience."

In 2023, Queen had an impressive season with 133 combined tackles, 84 of which were solo stops, one interception, six passes defended, and 3.5 sacks. This is fortunate for the Steelers, who have struggled to find the answer at inside linebacker, as the injury bug has plagued the position for years. 

After Ryan Shazier suffered a tragic spinal cord injury several years ago, Pittsburgh thought it had the answer in Devin Bush. However, Bush never met expectations, and Pittsburgh declined his fifth-year option. In 2023, Pittsburgh added Cole Holcomb and Kwon Alexander, but they both suffered season-ending injuries, once again leaving Pittsburgh searching for answers. 

It makes sense that General Manager Omar Khan and Head Coach Mike Tomlin would make the biggest offseason bringing in Queen. It was the weakest area in what has been a stalwart defense. It helps that Queen is coming with a bit of a chip on his shoulder, wanting to be the new villain in Pittsburgh. 

Steelers' Patrick Queen Won't Let Salty Fans Ruffle His Feathers After His Signing In The Steel City

There is no such thing as a peaceful transfer when a player leaves for another team, but most especially not for a divisional rival. The Steelers have been on the receiving end with players such as James Harrison and Alejandro Villanueva. Just as Steelers fans took shots at them online, Ravens fans have done the same to Queen. 

Queen fired back at fans, saying that he knows they are so vocal because they know exactly how good he is. According to Queen, he is living "rent-free" in Baltimore fans' heads because he has taken his talents to the other side, a side that has dominated his former team in recent years.  

The Ravens have made their own offseason improvements, and the AFC North is again shaping up to be the toughest division in the NFL this year. It will lead to some exciting showdowns during the season.