Could Texans Sign Ravens Free Agent Linebacker Patrick Queen?
Linebacker remains a priority for the Houston Texans entering free agency and one former first-round pick could be making his way to NRG Stadium.
According to ESPN, the Texans and Baltimore Ravens free agent linebacker Patrick Queen have a mutual interest in potentially inking a long-term deal this offseason. Queen, a member of the 2019 national championship LSU roster, was teammates with Texans cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. in Baton Rouge.
A 2020 first-round pick, Queen lost a step during his early days in Baltimore. Once defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald arrived last offseason, the former Tigers' star turned over a new leaf.
After the acquisition of All-Pro standout Roquan Smith, Queen was playing on a new level. Last season, he posted career-highs in tackles (133), tackles for loss (10.5) and pressures (33) while earning second-team All-Pro nods.
The Texans are looking to upgrade the linebacker room this offseason. Even with the emergence of second-year star Christian Harris, the position served as a weak point at times, especially the MIKE position. Blake Cashman stepped up and played various spots at the second level, finishing with a team-leading 106 stops.
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Houston elected not to use the franchise tag on any defensive player this offseason. Per sources, the Texans and Cashman have had contract talks, but a deal doesn't seem imminent entering March 11's tampering period.
Queen would benefit from playing with a linebacker that often remains in space. It would allow him to focus on being a signal-caller while monitoring the quarterback. Smith last season was left in space while Queen controlled the line of scrimmage.
Expect Queen to have interest elsewhere, especially from the Seattle Seahawks, who hired Macdonald to replace Pete Carroll after helping the Ravens finish with the No. 1 scoring defense last fall. Other teams like Washington, New England, Tennessee, and Arizona all have the funds to offer Queen a contract worth his value.
Pricing could be a concern. Houston is still mulling over if it wants to hand Cashman a lucrative contract after a breakout season. Queen, who's likely to hit the market without an offer from Baltimore given its cap situation, is projected to earn $18.5 million annually, per Spotrac.
Houston might pivot elsewhere depending on Queen's asking price. The free-agent class has talent outside of the Ravens' defender, including Carolina's Frankie Luvu, Seattle's Jordyn Brooks, and Tampa's Lavonte David, among others.
The Texans could turn to the draft on Day 2 and bring in another young name to build a foundation opposite Harris. Texas A&M's Edgerrin Cooper and N.C. State's Payton Wilson are viewed as the top prospects following their performances at the NFL combine. Both are expected to be second-round picks.
Free agency officially begins on March 13. Houston, which enters March with $69.6 million in cap space, will have to decide what's its end goal with several other key free agents, including defensive end Jonathan Greenard, running back Devin Singletary, defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins, and Cashman.
