Why LB Patrick Queen's future with Ravens remains uncertain

Despite his team's offseason actions to the contrary, Ravens GM Eric DeCosta insists he wants linebacker Patrick Queen in Baltimore for the long term, 

"We will, at some point, try to get him signed, hopefully, to an extension if we can," DeCosta said on "The Lounge" podcast.

The Ravens, however, have positioned themselves to move on from the former first-round pick. 

In January, Baltimore signed linebacker Roquan Smith to a long-term extension. He will make $100 million over five years, with an annual average contract value of $20 million, per Spotrac. 

Smith is one of the NFL's best inside linebackers, finishing 2022 third in the NFL in combined tackles with 169, per Pro Football Reference. 

In the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, the Ravens drafted Queen's potential replacement, Trenton Simpson from Clemson. He can play inside and outside and could be a cheap replacement for Queen, who is entering the final year of his rookie contract.

In the offseason, the Ravens declined to pick up his Queen's fifth-year option, which would have cost the team $12.7 million in 2024. 

Because of the huge contract extension for QB Lamar Jackson, the Ravens must be judicious with their money. It would be irresponsible for Baltimore to tie up too much on two inside linebackers. 

To create a well-rounded roster, teams sometimes must play hardball with players like Queen who are good but not great. The Ravens will either agree to a team-friendly extension with the former LSU star or cut ties with him. 

Even Queen seems to see the reality of his situation. After Baltimore drafted Simpson, he tweeted this: