The Steelers have been probably the most lively groups in free company this offseason, touchdown a number of gamers who ought to make an affect for them in 2024.
Nonetheless, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler believes one in every of Pittsburgh’s latest additions can be a key piece to its protection for a few years to come back.
The truth is, Fowler thinks the Steelers’ signing of former Ravens inside linebacker Patrick Queen is the “finest total free agent signing” up to now.
“Pittsburgh will get a defensive cornerstone at a place that has lengthy been depleted,” Fowler writes. “Including a fourth defensive star alongside T.J. Watt, Minkah Fitzpatrick and Cameron Heyward will repay within the AFC North. And bonus factors for stealing Queen from the rival Ravens.”
The Steelers not solely stole Queen from their AFC North division rival, however additionally they acquired him for a tune, signing him to a three-year, $41 million contract. The assumption across the league was that the 24-year-old might have made upwards of $18 million per 12 months.
Nonetheless, Queen grew to become Pittsburgh’s highest-paid free-agent signing in franchise historical past, and rightfully so.
He has been probably the most productive inside linebackers within the league over the previous couple of years, posting 250 tackles, 8.5 sacks, two compelled fumbles, three fumble recoveries, three interceptions and 12 defensed passes.
Queen additionally fills a significant gap for the Steelers, who’ve been trying to find a sideline-to-sideline inside linebacker since shedding Ryan Shazier to a spinal harm in 2017.
Pittsburgh has blended and matched veterans for years and watched linebackers Cole Holcomb (knee) and Kwon Alexander (Achilles) undergo season-ending accidents final season.
Normal supervisor Omar Khan lastly stated it was sufficient, going all in on Queen. Fowler, like many, believes it would repay for the Steelers as Queen is ready to develop into the “quarterback” of their star-studded protection for the foreseeable future.
