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OTL: Patrick Queen Turns Traitor…For Cheap!

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Patrick Queen Steelers OTL
original edit: X/@NFL
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What a wild day Tuesday was in Charm City, am I right? With free agency kicking off in full swing this week, the major pieces beyond Justin Madubuike fell into place yesterday afternoon. I’ll split my thoughts into two key sections today.

First, after what seemed like years of speculation and rumors, King Henry is finally a Baltimore Raven. Needless to say, this is a big, big deal:

Derrick Henry in the backfield with Lamar Jackson makes for a scary and dynamic pairing, and it seems both analysts and Ravens players alike know it:

It almost makes too much sense. With Jackson proving time and again he can throw incredibly well from the pocket against a stacked box, why wouldn’t you bring in the guy against whom defenses can’t afford but to stack the box? Henry and Jackson will complement each other, work off each other, and improve each other.

It’s a match made in heaven on paper, and look at where it brings Baltimore’s offense:

But the unknown around Henry and running backs in general is when the wheels will fall off. With over 2,000 career carries across eight seasons, while Henry has dominated, he’s also carried the load for Tennessee. Can he do the same in Baltimore or will his production start to decline on the back-nine of his career?

If his workouts are any indication, he’ll be just fine:

And in all honesty, I think GM Eric DeCosta had to take the opportunity to give Henry a shot. After all, he and Lamar should be a special one-two punch, and we’ve seen the impact Henry can have in the cold weather come January. Rich Eisen spoke to it well on Tuesday:

In terms of additions and returns, Baltimore is off to a strong start:

But on the flip side, the number of players from last season’s top-seeded roster are on their way out of Baltimore. This Ravens free agent class was already one with impact players, but it was also one with fan favorites and somewhat cult heroes.

Now the class has some serious rivalry lore, with Patrick Queen signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers on Tuesday.

I wasn’t in the camp expecting Queen to be a Raven next season, but I didn’t expect him to cross enemy lines. In fact, he’s the first player in their prime to do so:

What makes matters worse is that the price tag wasn’t as high as expected, which is the shocking part to me:

Needless to say, fans and former teammates aren’t happy:

At least Queen and S Geno Stone will be close by, though:

It’s crazy to see two of the more important players in Baltimore’s defense leave without joining the DC that helped them succeed in Seattle. Even crazier is seeing both end up on division rivals. Isaiah Likely had some choice words for them:

That brings Baltimore’s departure list to eight players, and again, it won’t be fun to be without them next year:

Who will be next?

3 Responses

  1. Good luck to PQ. He got his payday.
    As far as a traitor? Don’t think so. These players get paid for their job. It’s a JOB. I imagine if the Ravens would have paid him similar then he would still be here.
    Here’s what may be a very unpopular take. We just signed Mads to 4yr/98M. What if we did not sign him and signed PQ, Darby and Stone? We would have 3 good players vs 1 player who may have been paid based on an outlier type season. Just saying.
    If Mads balls out for his contract then he will be worth it. If not then we have to question the signing. We could have had 3 players for the price of 1 player.
    Well we’ll have to wait and see. I just wish the best to all former Ravens except when they play us. I am hoping that Mads stays healthy and keeps balling out.

    Reply

  2. Critics need to can the ‘Patrick Queen is a traitor’ talk. He did what he thought was best for him. Remember, the Ravens sent him at least 4 unmistakable messages that he wouldn’t be resigned: 1) trading for Roquan Smith. 2) Giving Smith a long-term contract making him the highest paid off-ball linebacker in the game. 3) Refusing Queen’s 5th year tenure. 4) Drafting Trenton Simpson in the 3rd round last year. 5) According to media reports the Ravens never even talked to Queen about an extension this off season.
    I don’t like the fact that he signed with a division rival either. But he earned the right to go the team who offered the best contract. .

    That said, I think it’s notable that Mike MacDonald didn’t make a stronger bid to get Pat. Most observers had him signing a contract in the $20 mil/year range. He signed for $13+ mil/yr. for only 3 years. Both speak volumes…..

    Reply

  3. Not happy, huh? Glad he’s getting some money – he earned it and was a good Raven. Football is a cut-throat business and he’d be cut when it was an advantage for a team to do so. The man needs to look out for his own family – not the team! As a die-hard Ravens fan I’m happy to see him make some cash. Yea, I hate the Steelers but they are smart to pick him up. His coverage skills and overall play w/o Smith will likely suffer (and the Steelers suspect that) so didn’t break the bank nor did any other team offer more – see, business trumps desire.

    Reply

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3 Responses

  1. Good luck to PQ. He got his payday.
    As far as a traitor? Don’t think so. These players get paid for their job. It’s a JOB. I imagine if the Ravens would have paid him similar then he would still be here.
    Here’s what may be a very unpopular take. We just signed Mads to 4yr/98M. What if we did not sign him and signed PQ, Darby and Stone? We would have 3 good players vs 1 player who may have been paid based on an outlier type season. Just saying.
    If Mads balls out for his contract then he will be worth it. If not then we have to question the signing. We could have had 3 players for the price of 1 player.
    Well we’ll have to wait and see. I just wish the best to all former Ravens except when they play us. I am hoping that Mads stays healthy and keeps balling out.

    Reply

  2. Critics need to can the ‘Patrick Queen is a traitor’ talk. He did what he thought was best for him. Remember, the Ravens sent him at least 4 unmistakable messages that he wouldn’t be resigned: 1) trading for Roquan Smith. 2) Giving Smith a long-term contract making him the highest paid off-ball linebacker in the game. 3) Refusing Queen’s 5th year tenure. 4) Drafting Trenton Simpson in the 3rd round last year. 5) According to media reports the Ravens never even talked to Queen about an extension this off season.
    I don’t like the fact that he signed with a division rival either. But he earned the right to go the team who offered the best contract. .

    That said, I think it’s notable that Mike MacDonald didn’t make a stronger bid to get Pat. Most observers had him signing a contract in the $20 mil/year range. He signed for $13+ mil/yr. for only 3 years. Both speak volumes…..

    Reply

  3. Not happy, huh? Glad he’s getting some money – he earned it and was a good Raven. Football is a cut-throat business and he’d be cut when it was an advantage for a team to do so. The man needs to look out for his own family – not the team! As a die-hard Ravens fan I’m happy to see him make some cash. Yea, I hate the Steelers but they are smart to pick him up. His coverage skills and overall play w/o Smith will likely suffer (and the Steelers suspect that) so didn’t break the bank nor did any other team offer more – see, business trumps desire.

    Reply

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Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

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Picture of Aidan Griesser
Aidan Griesser
Aidan Griesser is a student at Boston College but don't worry, the evil influence of Boston sports can't sway his devotion to the Baltimore Ravens and Orioles! Aidan's from Annapolis and previously worked with the B-More Opinionated podcast for two years. When it comes to sports writing, Aidan is interested in the ins-and-outs of every league and has an affinity for hot takes!
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