Baltimore Ravens inside linebacker Patrick Queen is in the midst of his best season. The fourth-year linebacker is heading towards a sizeable payday this offseason, whether from the Ravens or another team in free agency.
Spotrac currently projects a four-year, $67 million contract for Queen. It is safe to say Queen is not a fan of those numbers, as he responded with a thumbs-down emoji.
👎🏽
— 🦈 (@Patrickqueen_) December 1, 2023
The former first-round pick is set to become an unrestricted free agent following this season after Baltimore declined to pick up his fifth-year option over the offseason.
Queen’s NFL journey to this point has been an up-and-down ride. Still, something appeared to click for the speedy playmaker last season, and his level of play was only amplified by the arrival of Roquan Smith as the two went on to become one of the best linebacker duos in the entire league.
Queen is not the only player from the Ravens’ 2020 draft class looking to cash in this offseason, with defensive tackle Justin Madubuike and safety Geno Stone having great seasons. After signing quarterback Lamar Jackson to a five-year, $260 million contract this offseason, Baltimore will have to make many difficult decisions in the future regarding the salary cap.
Given that the Ravens already signed Smith to a five-year, $100 million contract, it is hard to imagine them giving out a second massive contract at the inside linebacker position.
Through the first 12 games this season, Queen has 102 total tackles, 3.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and four passes defended.