Steelers stick it to Ravens, poach top free agent linebacker on a multi-year deal

The Pittsburgh Steelers just made a blockbuster move in free agency. Since signing quarterback Russell Wilson to a one-year, $1.2 million deal, Omar Khan and the front office have been extremely quiet. On the first day of the NFL's legal tampering period, Pittsburgh added only a punter to their roster. Now we have received some earth-shattering news.

On March 12th, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported that the Steelers have reached an agreement on a contract with former Baltimore Ravens linebacker, Patrick Queen.

This is a multi-year deal that will keep Queen in Pittsburgh for at least the next three seasons. Queen's three-year contract will pay him a total of $41 million through 2026 at just over$13.66 million per season.

Queen made his first Pro Bowl following the 2023 season where he recorded 133 tackles, 9 tackles for a loss, and 3.5 sacks. The athletic linebacker also managed to record 3 interceptions over the past two seasons.

Queen's performance on the field has improved in each season since entering the league with the Ravens as a former first-round pick in 2020. Last year, he earned career-high grades from Pro Football Focus. His 48 pressures and 8 sacks over the past two seasons are both second among off-ball linebackers.

The Steelers were expected to add linebacker help this offseason, as Omar Khan admitted that the team does not have a timetable for when Cole Holcomb could return from the gruesome knee injury that he suffered in the middle of the season. Kwon Alexander is also no longer under contract and is recovering from a ruptured Achilles.

Queen is still just 24 years old, and he has a chance to stick around for the long haul. Coming off a breakout season, this is a great way to stick it to a division rival. The Pittsburgh Steelers just woke fans up with this signing, and Patrick Queen could prove to be a great addition to a defense that has been desperate for help at the linebacker position.