Steelers' AFC North Foe Scrubs Ravens From Social Media Ahead Of 5th-Year Option Decision

The Pittsburgh Steelers won't have to worry about deciding on a fifth-year option this off-season. Their 2020 first-round selection was traded away to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for All-Pro safety, Minkah Fitzpatrick. Looking back, it was a genius move by the front office and has paid solely positive dividends for the defense. A year ago, the organization declined the fifth-year option for linebacker, Devin Bush, who was the franchise's first round pick in 2019. 

Around the NFL, this could be a contract off-season for guys like Cincinnati Bengals' quarterback, Joe Burrow or some players may get the hint that they won't be welcome back after 2023.

Aside from Burrow, who is going to make so much money, he won't know what to do with it, Cleveland Browns left tackle, Jedrick Willis Jr. and Baltimore Ravens linebacker, Patrick Queen will learn more about their future in the coming months. Willis has been inconsistent, but after starting all 17 games in 2022, is likely to be in Cleveland in 2023 and 2024.

Queen, however, may be a little bit different of a story. The Ravens have been in contract negotiations with quarterback, Lamar Jackson for over a year now based on some recent actions on social media, the linebacker may have already been told that he is not in any way the priority this off-season.

It's worth noting players around all professional sports have done this before and it doesn't always mean anything, but this situation is rather interesting.

The franchise decided to trade for Roquan Smith early in the season and just recently gave him a massive contract extension. That all but ensures Queen won't get a new contract and he may not be too fond of Smith receiving the pay day and not him, who was originally drafted by Baltimore.

It quite literally could turn into same situation as Smith's almost a year ago. His fifth-year option was picked up back in 2021 and he was not happy with his contract status entering the fifth and final year. That's when Baltimore traded for him just prior to the trade deadline in November of 2022.

Queen hasn't even been elected to a Pro Bowl, but is a first-round talent. The upcoming 2023 season might very well be his last with the Ravens if Jackson signs a lucrative extension. It would be way too much to invest nearly 40% of your salary cap on two inside linebackers and a signal-caller.

Steelers Would Benefit From Breakup In Baltimore

So, if the Steelers aren't going to go after Queen because the Ravens would be crazy to entertain the call, why does this even matter? For starters, it would sure be nice if the pair that caused two turnovers back in early December broke up. Queen has also played well against Pittsburgh since he was drafted in 2020, totaling 24 tackles and an interception in six games. It never hurts to get familiarity out of the division.

It just so happens one of the top needs for the Steelers is at inside linebacker with Bush ready to walk and Robert Spillane set to be a free agent. The black and gold faithful shouldn't get too excited though. An in-division trade would never happen, but if Queen is truly unhappy with Baltimore's lack of faithfulness acquiring and extending Smith, he could be on the move.

Regardless, some tension within a division rival's building is never a bad thing. Smith and Queen are the reason Pittsburgh lost in Week 13 after coming up with two key interceptions. If he's upset with Baltimore's approach to his future, it'd be better for the remaining AFC North teams if he ends up somewhere else.

Do you think Queen scrubbing the Ravens from his social media means anything? Let us know in the comments below!

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