In surprising fashion, the Baltimore Ravens elected not to pick up the fifth-year option on linebacker Patrick Queen’s contract ahead of Tuesday’s deadline.
Said option was valued at $12.72 million. Given Queen’s status as Baltimore’s play caller on defense and his pretty solid performance through three seasons, this was somewhat of a shock.
It also comes mere days after Baltimore selected fellow linebacker Trenton Simpson out of Clemson in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Already paying out a huge contract to Roquan Smith, Baltimore simply didn’t see the value in picking up Queen’s option.
While the Ravens could very well opt to have Queen play out the remainder of his contract in 2023, there is also a chance that they simply trade the former LSU star. Here is a look at three ideal Patrick Queen trade scenarios from the Baltimore Ravens.
Related: Sportsnaut’s post-draft NFL defensive rankings
Minnesota Vikings take a chance on Patrick Queen
Minnesota has turned over its defense big time in recent years. That has included moving off longtime linebackers Eric Kendricks and Anthony Barr. It leaves a major hole at weakside linebacker with Jordan Hicks slated to man that position in 2023. Hicks, 30, yielded a 76.2% completion and 101.4 QB rating when targeted in coverage a season ago. That’s just not going to cut it.
- Patrick Queen stats (2022): 117 tackles, 14 QB hits, 5 sacks, 6 passes defended, 2 INT, 83.1 QB rating allowed
As you can see, Queen would be a marked upgrade over Hicks on the weakside. He’s still only 23 years old and could play a major role as Minnesota continues to look to get younger on defense.
Las Vegas Raiders pull off blockbuster trade
Las Vegas signed longtime Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Robert Spillane in free agency earlier this offseason. Given the team’s struggles in coverage a season ago, this signing made little sense. A part-time starter during his time in Pittsburgh, Spillane is atrocious in coverage. Last season saw him give up an 83.7% completion and 109.2 QB rating when targeted. How is this going to help a talent-stricken Raiders defense?
It’s high time for general manager Dave Ziegler to make a bold move on this side of the ball. Vegas did well to add to its defensive line in the 2023 NFL Draft with Tyree Wilson and Byron Young. Bringing in a potential franchise cornerstone in Patrick Queen would now make a ton of sense.
Philadelphia Eagles add yet another star playmaker
Eagles general manager Howie Roseman continues to receive a ton of praise after a successful three-day NFL Draft. That included getting first-round steals in defensive tackle Jalen Carter and EDGE guy Nolan Smith. Philadelphia also acquired stud young running back D’Andre Swift from the Detroit Lions in a lopsided trade.
The defending NFC champions might not be done. Philadelphia has a need at weakside linebacker with veteran Nicholas Morrow slated to start. Why not offer up a couple draft picks to fortify what could end up being one of the best defenses in the NFL? Patrick Queen teaming up with Nakobe Dean on the inside in Philadelphia would be a boon for this already-talented team.
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