Steelers’ Patrick Queen Ready For Challenge Of Filling Ryan Shazier’s Shoes: “I Could Do The Same”

The Pittsburgh Steelers made a significant move in the 2024 offseason by signing former Baltimore Ravens linebacker Patrick Queen. Queen joined the Steelers on a three-year deal worth $41 million, bringing high expectations to continue his impressive on-field performances.

A former first-round pick, Queen spent four seasons with the Ravens, earning his first Pro Bowl nod in 2023. The excitement in Pittsburgh is palpable, as Queen joins an already formidable defensive group featuring Minkah Fitzpatrick, TJ Watt, Cameron Heyward and Alex Highsmith.

Queen has hit the ground running at OTAs and is clearly enjoying his time with the Steelers. Playing for Mike Tomlin is something he has particularly appreciated. Speaking to the media after a practice, Queen was asked about filling the shoes of former Steelers star linebacker Ryan Shazier.

"He flies to the ball. Heavy hitter. [He's] really the linebacker that could do it all, and I feel like I could do the same. I think that he definitely hit harder than me, but I still bring a thump. I think just all around, we both bring every element of a football player at the linebacker spot to this team. So, it's definitely he** of a shoe to come and fill in, but I think I'm up for the task and I can't wait." 

Filling the shoes left by Shazier is a daunting task. Drafted in the first round of the 2014 NFL Draft, Shazier's four seasons with the Steelers were impressive. He earned two Pro Bowl nods before his career was tragically cut short due to a severe spinal injury during a Monday Night Football game against the Cincinnati Bengals—a game he later revealed he wasn't even supposed to play in.

After a head-on tackle, Shazier laid on the field unable to move his legs. That game marked the end of his NFL playing career, a heartbreaking conclusion to a promising start. Despite his injury, Shazier remains actively involved with the Steelers, contributing to the team and the community.

During his 41 starts over four years with Pittsburgh, Shazier accumulated seven interceptions, 25 passes defensed, seven forced fumbles, 299 combined tackles and seven sacks. His standout seasons were in 2016 and 2017, the years he earned his Pro Bowl selections.

Queen is a similar style of player, though Shazier was truly one of a kind. Known for his incredible speed and hard-hitting ability, Shazier struck fear into opposing offenses across the league. While Queen may not match Shazier's unique skill set, he brings an exciting potential to the Steelers' defense. Like Shazier, Queen has the ability to change games with his speed and brutal hits.

In his four NFL seasons, Queen has recorded four interceptions, 15 passes defensed, five forced fumbles, 454 combined tackles and 13.5 sacks. Comparing these numbers to Shazier's over their respective four seasons, Queen's stats are impressive, though he started 26 more games than Shazier did. Queen was immediately thrust into a starting role, whereas Shazier took some time to become a consistent starter due to injuries and competing in a more talented linebacker room early in his career.

Steelers Have Two Linebackers Expected To Fill The Shoes Of Ryan Shazier

Adding to the excitement, Shazier is helping coach Queen during OTAs. Steelers fans are hopeful that Queen can absorb Shazier's knowledge and tips. The Steelers' defense, which has carried the offense over the past few seasons, is loaded with talent. Enhancing this unit is crucial for Pittsburgh, especially as they await updates on Cole Holcomb, who suffered a severe injury during the 2023 season. The Steelers also drafted Payton Wilson to bolster the linebacker room.

Wilson, too, is seen as a potential successor to Shazier. The Steelers have been striving to replicate what they had with Shazier since his tragic injury. With Queen and Wilson, they now have two speedy linebackers with tremendous potential to fill that void.

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