Steelers Free Agency Predictions, adding Ravens' Patrick Queen kills two birds with one stone
One of the most intriguing parts of free agency in the NFL is the way that teams poach talent from their division rivals. And for the Pittsburgh Steelers, the team they know best in their division is the Baltimore Ravens. Well, it just so happens that the Ravens may lose one this year's top free […]
One of the most intriguing parts of free agency in the NFL is the way that teams poach talent from their division rivals.
And for the Pittsburgh Steelers, the team they know best in their division is the Baltimore Ravens.
Well, it just so happens that the Ravens may lose one this year's top free agents, with Pittsburgh as a prime landing spot:
A Diffrent Shade of Black For Patrick Queen?
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
Now, Pittsburgh received some of the best LB play they had in years to start off 2023. Cole Holcomb, Elandon Roberts and Kwon Alexander were all revelations to a LB corps that was underwhelming in the prior year.
But then the injury bug bit, and it bit hard, with Holcomb and Alexander both suffering season-ending lower body injuries around the midseason point.
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:
- Franchise Tag Likelihood: High
- Projected Contract: 4 yrs, $73M, $18.25M APY, $38M GTD
- Year One Cap Hit: $7M
Now, Pittsburgh is still over the cap, but they started their quest to get under it on Monday when Pittsburgh released multiple veterans. The team also has concerns at more premium positions but the Steelers defense has played at it's best when their middle linebackers are fast and physical, making Queen a perfect addition for Pittsburgh, all the while subtracting from the team's biggest rival.
For the full list of the top NFL free agents and their contract projections, click here.
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