Former Ravens linebacker Patrick Queen had his pick of options for his next team but ultimately, he chose the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Steelers didn’t offer him the most money, Queen revealed this week, but they are giving him an opportunity to make a big impact for a team that could win their division this season, which was exactly what he was looking for in free agency.
“From all the 15 teams that I was talking to, it came down to like five at the end,” Queen said, via NFL.com. “It was just like five teams in the mix. Some of them were offering some $17 [million per year]. After that it was like, I have a chance to either go win or I have a chance to get paid.
“For me, the difference was like $4 or $5 million. I’m looking at it like, I’ve never been on a losing team before, and then I also don’t want to be a part of anything being rebuilt because I’m trying to win now… I’m really just trying to win right now, get that out the way and then get paid later.”
Steelers give Queen major incentive to perform in 2024
The Pittsburgh Steelers offered Queen a three-year deal for $41 million total. Though he’ll receive $13.84 million for this season, the contract allows Queen’s new squad to part ways if that immediate winning doesn’t materialize.
Included in the veteran’s deal are roster bonuses for the 2025 and 2026 seasons. The Steelers would have to pay $6.67 million to have Queen on the roster in 2025 and $2.5 million for 2026.
For Pittsburgh, it’s a deal with little downside. And for Queen, if he delivers performances like he did for the Ravens, his future with the team seems secure.
With the Steelers, Queen will wear the No. 6 jersey. It’s the same number he wore throughout his rookie run with the Ravens. He’ll turn 25 before the start of the 2024 NFL season.
The Ravens selected Queen, a former LSU standout, in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He is coming off a Pro Bowl year for one of the best defenses in the NFL. He made 133 tackles, with 3.5 sacks and one interception last season.
Through his first four seasons in the league, the former Tiger has 454 total tackles with 13.5 sacks, five forced fumbles, six recoveries, four interceptions and 40.5 tackles for loss. He’s also added 23 post-season tackles with one tackle for loss.
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