Free-agent linebacker Patrick Queen told ESPN analyst Marcus Spears on Tuesday afternoon that he intends to sign a three-year, $41 million contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers, according to ESPN reporter Adam Schefter.
Queen spent the past four seasons with the Baltimore Ravens after being a first-round pick out of LSU, without missing a game. Last season was Queen’s best to date, as he was selected to his first Pro Bowl while recording a career-high 133 tackles and 3 1/2 sacks.
The 24-year-old is the latest free agent to agree to contract terms with a division rival during the first two days of negotiations ahead of NFL free agency. Baltimore and Pittsburgh consistently feature one of the fiercest rivalries in the sport, as Queen now goes from villain to hero for Steelers fans.
Previously, New York Giants tailback Saquon Barkley agreed to terms with the Philadelphia Eagles, tailback Aaron Jones defected from the Green Bay Packers to the Minnesota Vikings, and former Ravens safety Geno Stone agreed to join the Cincinnati Bengals.
Queen is the Steelers’ second major addition this offseason, as Pittsburgh also agreed to a deal with quarterback Russell Wilson over the weekend. The Steelers finished third in the AFC North last season, reaching the playoffs at 10-7 but still three games behind the division-winning Ravens.
— 🦈 (@Patrickqueen_) March 12, 2024
