The Baltimore Ravens boasted arguably the league’s best defense during the 2023 season.
Doubling down on that in 2024 will be key if they want to go one step further and reach the Super Bowl.
But retaining some of their best talent won’t be easy, with standout LB Patrick Queen slated to hit the free agent market, potentially joining one of the teams’s biggest rivals:
Queen to Pittsburgh?
The Ravens are in a tricky situation, having already awarded Roquan Smith a hefty $100 million, five year contract last year. They could have exercised the fifth-year option on the former first rounder last offseason, retaining Queen’s rights through the 2024 season, but hadn’t seen enough consistency to justify the price tag. The Ravens undoubtedly are regretting that decision now, as Queen’s play has likely elevated him to the highest-valued free agent linebacker this offseason. -A to Z Sports Free Agency
Patrick Queen's 2023 film was as fundamental as it was spectacular and multiple. Sacks. Brutally efficient picks to clear the way for teammates. Or just solid Run fits.
Queen did it all in his 4th season in Baltimore.#Ravens #RavensFlocck #BaltimoreRavens pic.twitter.com/04fw5LpBNN— All 22 Films (@All_22_NFL_Cuts) February 6, 2024
And while Holcomb and Roberts have earned their spots, these are established two veterans opposed to Queen who won’t even be 25 when training camp breaks in Latrobe. And based on A to Z Sports free agency contract projections, Queen comes with an affordable price should he escape the franchise tag. -Rob Gregson, A to Z Sports Pittsburgh
Queen is going to be a hot commodity on the market. Springy yet spry inside linebackers seldom reach the market before their 25th birthday, especially coming off the year that Queen just had.
That’s why when looking at his contract projection, keeping Queen around could be a tough ask for Baltimore:
Franchise Tag Likelihood: High
Projected Contract: 4 yrs, $73M, $18.25M APY, $38M GTD
Year One Cap Hit: $7M
So we’ll see where things go from here for both sides. Franchise tagging Queen would make sense for Baltimore, but you’re talking about a team that declined his 5th-year option just months ago.
That opens the door for him to hit the market and potentially join one of Baltimore’s biggest rivals via Pittsburgh.
