One of the NFL’s biggest free agent signings still faces criticism for an alleged lack of loyalty.
Former Ravens inside linebacker Patrick Queen, who signed a three-year, $41 million contract with the arch-rival Steelers in March, continues to face backlash from his former teammates in Baltimore.
Speaking on The Punch Line Podcast, which he co-hosts with Jack Settleman, Ravens All-Pro cornerback Marlon Humphrey expressed skepticism that Queen made the right decision with his new team.
“I’ve been with the Ravens a long time, and I’ve seen a lot of guys go through the same thing,” Humphrey said. “‘This new place I’m in is the best place on earth. It’s not the Ravens.’ Then reality sets in.”
In response to the headline “The grass isn’t always greener on the other side,” Queen posted a video of herself sipping wine and watering the lawn, suggesting that the saying applies on the other side too.
Queen hasn’t been shy about praising the Steel City after their first four years performing in the Charm City.
“The atmosphere here is good for me,” Queen said. Mark Kabouri of The Athletic. “Everybody’s cool, the people are cool, the players are cool, the food spots are awesome.”
Queen’s former Baltimore teammates have also made subliminal remarks on social media.
All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton, for example, responded to Queen’s video with a meme, suggesting that no one was amused by Queen’s joke about moving to Pittsburgh.
However, Queen has not been shy about defending her new team and continues to regularly attack fans on platforms like X.
At just 24 years old, Queen has developed into one of the best off-ball linebackers in professional football.
According to Pro Football Focus, Queen was one of three linebackers in 2023 to record 27-plus pressures and 50-plus stops.
Pittsburgh rarely spends big money on the open market, but they selected the Louisiana State University product as the fifth-highest ILB by average salary.
Queen will face his former team for the first time in Week 11.
The Steelers-Ravens matchup is always going to be intense, but there’s sure to be some extra motivation for both teams in 2024.
