Will Ravens Trade Top Linebacker Prior to Start of NFL Season?
As the Baltimore Ravens near the end of their offseason workout program, might they be considering moving on from one of their top defensive players?
According to a recent projection from Sports Illustrated, linebacker Patrick Queen is among one of ten NFL star players who could switch teams before the start of the regular season.
“Queen makes a lot of sense when you consider all the factors at play." wrote SI's Matt Verderame.
Queen, 23, has been one of Baltimore’s most dynamic defenders since joining the team as a first-round pick (No. 28 overall) in 2020. In only his first season, he logged 106 total tackles (nine for loss), three sacks, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries, one of which he returned for a 53-yard touchdown in a Week 5 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. For his efforts, he was awarded a spot on the PFWA All-Rookie Team.
Though he experienced a statistical dip in 2021, Queen rebounded with his best season as a pro in 2022. The LSU product finished the season having set career-highs with 117 total tackles, six passes defended, five sacks and two interceptions while playing 94 percent of the Ravens’ defensive snaps.
While Queen’s resume would make him an untouchable asset on most NFL teams, Baltimore is spread a bit thin when it comes to tangible commodities. Following their five-year, $100M contract commitment to linebacker Roquan Smith - for whom they acquired via trade in October from the Chicago Bears - the Ravens would undoubtedly prefer to maintain some financial flexibility. The deal, which includes $45M guaranteed, made Smith the highest-paid off-ball linebacker in the NFL. As such, it may deter them from once again spending top-level money at the position.
Queen's future in Charm City only became murkier in the aftermath of the 2023 NFL Draft when the Ravens selected Clemson linebacker Trenton Simpson at No. 86 overall in the third round. Shortly thereafter, rumors began to intensify that Queen may find himself on the trading block. However, Baltimore will understandably remain reluctant to move the valuable linebacker, unless they are overwhelmed by an offer.
While Simpson may be unlikely to either match or exceed Queen's prowess at the position in 2023, his presence seems to ultimately indicate an eventual end to the relationship between the Ravens and their 2020 first-rounder.
The only question remains: Will it be sooner rather than later?
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