According to an insider, the Steelers signed a “defensive cornerstone” in free agency.
During the offseason, the Steelers were among the clubs with the greatest activity in free agency, signing numerous players who would likely have an influence in 2024.
But according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, one of Pittsburgh’s most recent recruits will be an important member of the defense for many years to come.
In fact, according to Fowler, the “best overall free agent signing” made thus far is the Steelers’ acquisition of Patrick Queen, a former inside linebacker with the Ravens.
“Pittsburgh gets a defensive cornerstone at a position that has long been depleted,” writes Fowler. “In the AFC North, it will be beneficial to add a fourth defensive star in addition to Cameron Heyward, T.J. Watt, and Minkah Fitzpatrick. And extra credit for taking Queen away from the adversarial Ravens.”
Not only did the Steelers acquire Queen from their AFC North division opponent, but they also signed him to a $41 million, three-year contract for a song. The 24-year-old was thought to have had the potential to earn up to $18 million annually by those in the league.
Nevertheless, Queen earned the right to become the highest-paid free agency signing in Pittsburgh’s team history.
Over the last two seasons, he has been among the league’s most prolific inside linebackers, with 250 tackles, 8.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, three interceptions, and 12 passes defensed.
In addition, Queen covers a significant void for the Steelers, who have been lacking a sideline-to-sideline inside linebacker since Ryan Shazier’s spinal injury in 2017.
After years of mixing and matching veterans, Pittsburgh saw last season’s season-ending injuries to linebackers Cole Holcomb (knee) and Kwon Alexander (achilles).
Omar Khan, the general manager, eventually gave up and fully committed to Queen. Like many others, Fowler thinks it will pay off for the Steelers, since Queen is expected to be the “quarterback” of their all-star defensive going forward.
