Two of the Ravens’ Pro Bowl defenders, defensive lineman Justin Madubuike and inside linebacker Patrick Queen, are due to hit free agency next month. As Baltimore appears likely to put the franchise tag on Madubuike, there may not be enough cap room to give Queen the type of contract he would command on the open market, and GM Eric DeCosta recently suggested that Queen would get the chance to see what the market has in store for him.
“Patrick had an amazing season,” DeCosta said at his end-of-season presser, via Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic (subscription required). “I love Patrick. He’s one of my favorite guys on the team. He’s put himself in a great position, potentially, to hit the market and see what his value is. You never know.”
The Ravens selected Queen in the first round of the 2020 draft. While the LSU product flashed at times during his first several years in the league, he did not truly break out until Baltimore acquired fellow inside ‘backer Roquan Smith at the 2022 trade deadline. With the elite Smith as a running mate, Queen finally began living up to his draft status and excelled down the stretch of the 2022 campaign. Baltimore nonetheless declined the fifth-year option on Queen’s rookie deal, and extension talks between player and team failed to produce an agreement, which led to some frustration on Queen’s part and which turned 2023 into a platform year.
Although Queen was named a trade candidate in the run-up to last year’s draft and over the summer, the Ravens elected to let him finish out his rookie contract, to the benefit of both parties. In 17 games (all starts) in 2023, Queen set a career-high with 133 tackles and graded out as the 23rd-best linebacker in the league (eight spots behind Smith) per Pro Football Focus. In the process, he earned the first Pro Bowl bid of his career and set himself up nicely for a lucrative contract in his first foray into free agency.
Given that the Ravens committed a five-year, $100MM contract to Smith last January, it was always unlikely that they would authorize a contract for Queen commensurate with his market value (which Spotrac estimates is $18.5MM/year). That is especially true given the franchise’s penchant for drafting and developing quality ILB talent, and 2023 third-rounder Trenton Simpson is in line to take over Queen’s role should the latter find a new employer in 2024.
DeCosta obviously did not rule out a reunion with Queen, but unless his market does not develop as expected, the 24-year-old may have played his last snap for the Ravens.
Hope the Steelers have interest
Inside LB has been a hole since Shazier injury
Broncos need him badly
Come home to Louisiana. The Saints can do that voodoo cap economic thing they do!
This is who the eagles need!!
Commanders most cap space better get this done
Yes, a talented LB is needed in DC. Not sure that top ten salary for 23d best linebacker is a good investment. DC should certainly put a bid in though (at their own price).
If he doesn’t return to the Ravens I would bet he will come to Seattle to reunite with his defensive coordinator who he loves
I think the Ravens will enjoy their comp pick and do just fine grooming Simpson as their next very athletic linebacker playing Robin to Roquan’s Batman. I like Queen fine and he’s still young enough to grow further, but I’m skeptical that he would be a good use of cap space on a high-end deal.
Maybe he comes to Seattle with his old coach? Brooks and Wagner both FA.
Let’s go falcons. Sign this man
Remember, these guys tend to not be quite as good after leaving the ravens system.
Going to Seattle might be the key for his continued success.
Ravens “system” came to Seattle already!
Not quite. The system has been around well before McDonald arrived.
Ravens will miss PQ if he leaves. Wonder if 5/80 could get it done. Would need to restructure some contracts and cut a few others. Mad could be a franchise tag.
He’d be a perfect addition for the packers
5/80 would almost be the opening bid for Queen. Add a couple million/year if you are serious.
This is a classic Ravens move pulled by Ozzie on a routine basis, Eric is doing an excellent job.
Clearly the organization and the player have a difference of opinion and pay expectation. Mr. Queen is being allowed to test the open market so both sides can get a baseline for value. If they can work a deal, wonderful. If not, Mr. Queen has found a new home.
Ravens historically draft very well players on defense. If Queen leaves Baltimore will find someone else in the draft.
This guy in Detroit makes too much sense. You put him with Alex Anzalone and Jack Campbell and watch out! Then draft a EDGE to play opposite Hutch and sign a CB1 and we’re ready to roll.