After inking Roquan Smith to a record-breaking contract, the Ravens are reportedly shopping one of their other linebackers. According to Jason La Canfora of the Washington Post, Ravens linebackers Patrick Queen is “prime trade fodder” heading into the draft.
Queen was a first-round pick by Baltimore in 2020, and the LSU product has certainly backed up his draft stock through his first three seasons in the NFL. He collected 106 tackles and three sacks as a rookie, earning him PFWA All-Rookie Team honors. After seeing his numbers drop a bit in 2021, Queen had a career year this past season, finishing with 117 tackles and five sacks. He ultimately finished the year ranked 31st among 81 qualifying linebackers, per Pro Football Focus, with the site giving him position-leading grades for his pass-rushing ability.
After trading for Smith last season, the Ravens gave him a five-year, $100MM contract ($45MM guaranteed) in January. That contract made Smith the highest-paid off-ball LB in the NFL, and it will predictably influence the team’s decision making elsewhere on the roster. With so much money committed to Smith (and with the front office eyeing a fifth-year option decision on Queen this offseason), it makes sense that they’d look to trade off one of their linebackers.
The Ravens are only armed with five selections heading into this year’s draft, so a Queen trade could help them add to their arsenal. As La Canfora notes, the Ravens need a cornerback, and while there should be some highly graded players available when they pick at No. 22, one anonymous executive believes the front office could trade back and still land a top-end player at the position.
“I think six [corners] go in the first round,” the executive told La Canfora, “and [the Ravens are] probably thinking they can get one they like later on — maybe even the second round — and add picks.”
If La Canfora says it you know it’s wrong.
I coached him in high school, and would be absolutely thrilled if he came back to Louisiana and played for the Saints. Saints trade their 3rd round for a pick next year, 3?, and Queen.
You believe they won’t get a first for him?
He’s young and raw but finished nearly middle of the pack at his position. Not saying he’s a 3rd round value but not sure a first.
No chance they get 1st round pick for him
Agree he’s a 3rd rounder return value piece. If they wanna a 1st rounder, roll the dice with Likely and Kohler(sp?). Chargers need a TE. Trade Andrews to them for their 1st in 23 and 2nd in 24.
Chargers aren’t trading their 1st and 2nd for Andrews in a draft that deep at the TE position. They can just draft a cheaper option in the 1st or 2nd round.
They may swap Mike Williams for Andrews and exchange picks in some manner. But that’s about all the Ravens can hope for.
You believe they will?
I don’t see why the Ravens, who offense will take a hit and run a 3-4, wouldn’t consider keeping Queen. I realize an extension will be coming soon and that he can get taken advantage of in coverage, but pairing him with Roquan Smith would be a luxurious package deal to have for a team that very recently was desperate for production from their ILBs. Getting something for Queen before a deal is smart, but at the same time, having two good ILBs is great for a linebacker-heavy defense. If someone gives them a good offer, I’d say take it, but otherwise, I’d be curious to see how he and Smith play together this year.
Jets
Agreed. This draft is meh anyway. I’d offer a 4 and 6 for him.