It’s a given that the Ravens will not exercise their fifth year option on Patrick Queen. They aren’t going to spend that much more money on the inside linebacker group, and certainly not for a weakside linebacker. But should they keep him for the 2023 season, or trade him before or during the draft? What is Patrick Queen’s future?
Readers know that I’m not a Patrick Queen fan. But I’d be dogmatic to claim that Queen didn’t produce a whole lot more once Roquan Smith took over the strong side responsibilities. The two play very effectively together. Smith’s presence allowed Queen to do more of what he does well, and less of what he doesn’t do well. Playing together, the Smith-Queen duo must be the fastest inside linebacker group in the league.
Super Bowl or Bust
Whether I keep Queen now depends on whether the Ravens believe they can make a Super Bowl run in 2023. Obviously, this leads back to the Lamar Jackson soap opera (and who’s not sick of that). But unless the Ravens believe, as I write this, that Jackson won’t be back for 2023, it makes the most sense for the Ravens to keep Queen for this season.
Patrick Queen’s Future – Stay in Baltimore in 2023
Why? For one, if you move Queen you have to replace him, and you aren’t very likely to find as capable a player for 2023 to man the position. The Ravens defense will not be as strong in 2023 without Queen, it’s that simple.
Second, what could Queen actually bring in a trade? It’s hard to imagine that rival GMs and coaches don’t see Queen’s limitations. Or that his improvement is a function of reduced responsibilities playing next to Roquan Smith. Where does that leave Queen’s value in the trade market? I believe no higher than a fourth rounder. If that’s right, it makes no sense for the Ravens to create a hole in their defense for the privilege of getting an additional fourth round pick this year.
Third, if Queen has a solid year and then is signed in 2024 to a decent contract, you might well pick up a fourth rounder in the 2025 draft. Or at least a fifth. Granted, that’s two years from now. But if the Ravens believe the Super Bowl is within their sights this year, it makes sense to defer getting Queen compensation until after the 2023 season is over.
Has Queen asked to be traded? I wouldn’t be surprised. But if I’m Eric DeCosta, I’m not trading Queen just because he asked to go. I don’t think Queen is a quitter. If he’s “stuck” in Baltimore for 2023, I believe he’ll put in his best effort to maximize his value for a 2024 contract.
Queen should stay. I never thought I’d write that!
