The Pittsburgh Steelers have made no shortage of big moves under General Manager Omar Khan. One of the most interesting moves under his tenure thus far is seeing the Steelers spend the most money they ever have on a free agent acquisition, giving former Baltimore Ravens linebacker Patrick Queen a three-year $41 million contract last offseason. The former first-round pick came to Pittsburgh after four seasons with Baltimore. Queen had a career year in 2023 with the Ravens in which he earned AP Second Team All-Pro honors. His play earned him a big payday from a heated rival.
David Dermer / AP Photo
Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen drops back into coverage during a preseason game against the Buffalo Bills on August 17, 2024, in Acrisure Stadium.
Queen came to Pittsburgh with a big new contract, and even bigger expectations. However, things did not start off the best for Queen in black and gold. Early in the season, it was tough to point at plays and notice Queen making much of an impact. However, in the second half of the season, the Steelers and their fans finally got to see a glimpse of what they had been waiting for. While it was not a bad season at all by Queen, the season ended with some questions about Queen's play and the money the Steelers signed him for.
Pro Football Focus analyst Zoltán Buday named Queen as one of his players with the most to prove in 2025 on the official PFF website.
"Following a slow start to his career in Baltimore, Queen started playing like one of the better linebackers in the league following the Ravens' trade for Roquan Smith in 2022," Buday wrote. "He wasn't able to crack the top 70 among linebackers in PFF overall grade in either of his first two NFL seasons, but placed 31st with a 69.7 PFF overall grade in 2022. Queen played at an even higher level in Smith’s first full season in Baltimore, posting a 24th-ranked 73.0 PFF overall grade. The improvement in play earned Queen a hefty contract in Pittsburgh during the 2024 offseason, but the former first-round pick earned only a 56.8 PFF overall grade this past season, which ranked 65th among 84 qualifying linebackers. The Steelers will look for Queen to return to form in 2025."
Queen became more consistent as the year went on, finishing with 129 combined tackles. Perhaps none more memorable than his play against his former team, stripping former teammate Isaiah Likely and recovering the fumble, giving the Steelers prime field position inside Baltimore territory.
Jared Wickerham / Pittsburgh Steelers
Pittsburgh Steelers' Patrick Queen forces a fumble on Ravens' Isaiah Likely in Week 11 of 2024.
While 2025 is not a make-or-break season for Queen and his future in Pittsburgh, it is undoubtedly a very important one. If Queen is able to keep up that type of consistency he had in the back half of last season, there should be no concerns about his future in Pittsburgh at all. Queen was named to the second Pro Bowl of his career in 2024, another sign more good things are to come for Queen and the Steelers.
Steelers' Linebacker Room Will Be Key To Success In 2025
The Steelers have continued to invest in the defensive side of the ball this offseason. This includes the signing of another Ravens linebacker, Malik Harrison in free agency. This move came after the departure of Elandon Roberts, who was key in the run defense. While not a lot of change has occurred in the linebacker room this offseason compared to 2024, there is no doubt that some of the returning pieces will be vital to the team's success this upcoming season.
Gene J. Puskar / AP Photo
Steelers linebacker Payton Wilson celebrates after his interception of Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson during a game on November 17, 2024, in Acrisure Stadium.
Rookie Payton Wilson showed major flashes in his opportunities during his rookie season. He figures to be a key contributor next to Queen in 2025. Pittsburgh also has another veteran presence who is primed for a comeback season in Cole Holcomb. After suffering a brutal injury that cost him his entire 2024 season, he looks to be a spark in the Steelers' linebacker room. The Steelers will more than likely have one of the best defensive units in the entire league. This position group will be one to monitor throughout the season, and Queen figures to be the focal point of the room.
What are your predictions for Queen and the rest of the Steelers' linebackers in 2025? Let us know in the comments below!
#SteelerNation
