Will Ravens Trade Top Linebacker Prior to NFL Draft?
Are the Baltimore Ravens looking to trade away one of their most productive defenders in advance of the 2023 NFL Draft?
In what appears to be an attempt to increase their current equity, the Ravens may view linebacker Patrick Queen as “prime trade fodder, according to a recent report from the Washington Post.
Queen 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 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.
With a great deal of uncertainty still surrounding the future of quarterback Lamar Jackson, as well as facing a decision on Queen’s fifth-year option, the Ravens may view Queen as one of their most tradable assets. In addition to some financial relief, unloading the fourth-year linebacker may help them add to their five selections in the upcoming NFL Draft, which is set to commence on April 27.
The only question is whether parting ways with Queen comes at a greater cost than keeping him in the fold heading into 2023.
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