Ravens' Patrick Queen isn't worried about current contract situation
The Baltimore Ravens have a plethora of new weapons on offense. However, everyone knows where their bread is buttered, and that's on defense. One of their top contributors, linebacker Patrick Queen, is in an interesting situation at the moment. He had his fifth-year option declined and he's entering the final year of his rookie deal. […]
The Baltimore Ravens have a plethora of new weapons on offense. However, everyone knows where their bread is buttered, and that's on defense.
One of their top contributors, linebacker Patrick Queen, is in an interesting situation at the moment. He had his fifth-year option declined and he's entering the final year of his rookie deal.
That creates some uncertainty for what Queen's future in Baltimore is. But the former first-round pick isn't phased at all.
“At the end of the day, I get to play football in the National Football League, so that’s a blessing in itself," said Queen on Monday. "I talked to [head coach John Harbaugh] and talked to [general manager] Eric [DeCosta], and everything is good and selling right now. I’m not focused on the contract; I’m just looking to play ball. At the end of the day, I get to go out here and play football [and] make my mark at what I want it to be. I’m not stressing anything. I’m just going out there having fun with my teammates, having fun with my coaches and just getting to play ball.”
Queen has been highly productive during his first three seasons logging over 100 tackles twice (he had 98 in 2021, has 321 for his career). He's also managed to rack up 10 sacks since entering the NFL.
2022 was the best year yet for Queen as he registered career highs in tackles (117), interceptions (2), pass breakups (6), and sacks (5). That makes it completely understandable why he's thinking about his long-term security.
Queen's teammate, running back J.K. Dobbins, is going through something similar as he is also entering the last year of his rookie contract, but there's a twist.
“I think everyone’s situation is different," Queen said. "I know J.K.’s faith is strong, we both trust in God to lead us in the right direction, and wherever that direction may be – ours are totally different right now. His situation is different than mine. J.K. has been hurt before. I think he’s seen how scary that side can be. So, I think he has his own perspective on things. I have my own perspective on things, and I think at the end of the day, you have to respect our decisions. Everybody on the outside has views of how we should feel, how we should do things, but at the end of the day – like I said – he’s been in this situation before, so I can see where he’s coming from.”
Queen has steadily seen improvement in his game which is exactly what every team wants from a first-rounder. However, no player ever wants to get complacent once they reach a certain level of performance.
When Queen was asked if he was still scratching the surface of how good he can be, his response epitomized a player who is striving for more.
“Yes, I definitely haven’t even gotten close to the player I can be. Everybody around here knows it. I think people around the league know it. That’s why I’m out here just trying to get better, trying to compete [and] trying to just master my craft. I think when I do that, the whole league is going to be on notice.”
If Queen can keep taking his game to the next level, this contract situation with the Ravens will be resolved at some point.
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Feature image via Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
