Patrick Queen reveals major bet made by signing with Steelers

Linebacker Patrick Queen changed teams and signed a free agent contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers after playing with the Baltimore Ravens for his first four seasons in the NFL. While getting ready for his Steelers debut, Queen wants to place a wager on himself for the 2024 season.

The linebacker inked a three-year, $41 million contract with Pittsburgh. Queen said that teams other than the Steelers had made him better offers. According to Derrick Bell of Steelers Now, he thought Pittsburgh was the best fit for him when considering best team fit.

“In the end, it came down to five teams from the fifteen that I was speaking with. According to Queen, some were offering [$17 million year]. “I had the opportunity to go win or to get compensated. The difference for me was perhaps $4 or $5 million.

Queen went on, “I’m viewing it as though I’ve never been on a losing team before.” “I’m trying to win now, so I don’t want to be a part of anything being rebuilt either.”

Queen said, “I really am just trying to win right now and get that out of the way.” “I’ll be paid afterward.”

With the exception of 2021, Baltimore has made the playoffs every year since joining the Ravens in 2020. In 2023, they made it all the way to the AFC Championship. Similar success has been seen by the Steelers, who have qualified for the playoffs every year but 2022 since 2020. They haven’t, however, gone past the Wild Card Round.

Pittsburgh is trying to get over their postseason hump now that Patrick Queen is with them. The linebacker sees things the same way. Although there was a greater amount of money available, Queens recognizes the Steelers’ Super Bowl potential. His primary objective as he prepares for the 2024 season is to assist Pittsburgh in living up to their high standards.

Pittsburgh’s defense was weak in 2023; they gave up 342.1 yards per game, which put them in 21st place in the league. But the Steelers have Joey Porter Jr., Cameron Heyward, TJ Watt, and Minkah Fitzpatrick as important building bricks. Queen has now joined the group.

Queen recorded 454 tackles, 15 passes defended, 13.5 sacks, and four interceptions in his 67 games overall with the Ravens. Being a versatile player, Queen has posed a threat to opposition teams in both the pass and run games. He displayed his entire toolkit in the 2023 campaign.

Queen recorded a career-high 133 tackles, matching his career-high with six passes defended, and even forced an interception and punt in addition to starting all 17 games. He received a strong 73.1 rating from Pro Football Focus, earning him his first-ever Pro Bowl selection.

Although Pittsburgh’s offensive adjustments have received a lot of attention, the defense also required improvement. Patrick Queen is not just a significant inclusion for

the Steelers, but it also weakens the defense of their main opponents.

Queen had the option to sign with another team or pursue a larger contract. However, Queen was drawn to the chance to work with the Steelers since they share Queen’s desire to win a Super Bowl.