Unhappy with the salary-cap-saving move of the Ravens’, Patrick Queen decided to join their rival on 15th March 2024. With a 2023 season record of 84 electrifying solo tackles and the tag of a second-team All-Pro, the LB marched into the Steelers. And he received a warm welcome from his new teammates.

Just after the news broke in March, Russell Wilson was the first to welcome Queen to Pittsburgh. The former Broncos‘ star took it to X and tagged the 24-year-old LB as “QUEEEEENNN”. And now Steelers’ LB, TJ Watt has opined on Queen. In a conversation with 9.,7 The Fan, he acknowledged Queen is an ‘asset’ for the team thanks to his speed, “(He is) fast, very fast, quick.” A 40-yard dash in 4.5 seconds at the NFL combine is an evidence of the LB’s blistering speed on the field. But TJ had more to say about the 24-year-old.

According to Watt, it’s the ‘speed on the defense’ that might change the game. The outside LB further said, “sideline to sideline as an inside linebacker, is a huge asset“. Queen is exceptional at both catches and tackles as evidenced by his 163 catches and 84 tackles in the 2023 season. And this raises his value as an LB. But the reason for him being a ‘huge asset‘ doesn’t end here.

Per TJ Watt, being the owner of the green dot helmet, Queen’s communication with the sidelines is an advantage to the Steelers.  “A guy who can wear the green dot and be really well in communication, that’s what we’re here for” is what the LB said to the  93.7 The Fan.

Furthermore, being the 64th among the top 100 in the NFL, the 24-year-old LB sets higher hopes for the Steelers. But praise is often swayed by criticism and Queen joining the Steelers was an example of the same.

New LB of the Steelers: A challenge awaits Patrick Queen

Although Queen is thought to be a worthy replacement for Ryan Shazier, the Steelers might be overlooking the shortcomings. “Lack of instincts might show now that he’s not playing next to Superman [Roquan Smith]” said an NFL executive. It seems like Patrick got the best LB by his side in the Ravens. With a 90.5 on his run defense and a 77.9 on the coverage grade, Smith was ranked as the best LB by the PFF. Being by the side of Smith was thus a boost to Queen. Furthermore, they were an elite unit because of their seek-and-destroy strategy that is evidenced by the duo’s 168 tackles and 13 passes defended records of the 2023 season.

It is safe to say that Patrick Queen was Robin to the Batman (Smith) of the Ravens. But that’s not gonna happen in the Steelers. Why so? Queen is yet to join the training camp as an inside LB. Additionally, the pressure on him will be high as he has to defend against both rush and pass. So how does he adjust himself in this role?

Looks like it’s a waiting game for the Steelers. Can Queen aid his team in having a long run this season? Time will tell.