The Baltimore Ravens have several key decisions to make this offseason, with two of their top defensive stars reaching the end of their current contracts.
The Ravens will likely work to try to retain Queen. After all, General Manager Eric DeCosta said last May that he wants to sign Queen to an extension.
“People want to jump to conclusions [and say], ‘Oh [Simpson] is going to replace Patrick,'” DeCosta said. “I can tell you this. Patrick Queen had a helluva year last year. Patrick Queen is a very talented, in my mind, Pro Bowl-type linebacker. He’s going to have a great year this year.”
The Baltimore Ravens GM then mentioned the team’s plan to extend Queen in the future.
“We want Patrick Queen on this team; we want to keep him on this team. We will, at some point, try to get him signed, hopefully, to an extension if we can.”
But after a Pro Bowl season, the price has gone up.
Queen said he would “of course” like to stay in Baltimore, but can the Ravens afford it?
“It’s where I started it at, so it would definitely be nice if I’m back,” Queen said. “At the same time, I just have to do what’s best for me [and] do what’s best for my family. Then, [the Ravens] have to do what’s best for them on the other side as well. Wherever that leads to, it’s up to God.”
Queen said his strategy will be to “pray on it.”
Queen had a breakout fourth season that established him as one of the top in the game at his position. He made a career-high 133 tackles, 3.5 sacks, one interception, and nine tackles for loss.
Baltimore Ravens GM Makes Shocking Announcement On the Future Of Patrick Queen
DeCosta met with reporters on Friday in his final press conference of the year and discussed several difficult decisions coming up for the Ravens front office regarding the future of a few key stars, particularly on defense,
When asked about Queen specifically, DeCosta gave a response that didn’t quite align with his plans back in May before the season began.
He was asked about the Baltimore Ravens decision not to pick up Queen’s 5th-year option.
“You never know on these situations. Patrick had an amazing season. I love Patrick. He’s one of my favorite guys on the team,” DeCosta said.
DeCosta said Queen has put himself in great position to hit the market. “He’s a special player.”
Queen has been part of the best inside linebacker tandem in the league in Baltimore the past year and a half since joining forces with two-time Pro Bowler and First-Team All-Pro Roquan Smith. As much as they’d like to keep their elite dynamic duo together, paying two off-ball linebackers top or near top-of-the-market salaries likely won’t be financially feasible now that they’re paying a star quarterback top-tier salary.
There’s speculation Patrick Queen could join his former defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, who accepted the head coaching position with the Seattle Seahawks last week.
The former first-rounder out of LSU led the Ravens in total tackles for three straight years before finishing second behind Smith with a career-high 133 in 2023. In 17 games this past season, Queen also recorded nine tackles for loss, six quarterback hits, 3.5 sacks, six pass breakups, an interception, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.