The Houston Texans’ plans for free agency won’t be realized for a few more days, but reports have begun to surface about players they’re interested in signing.
One such player is Baltimore Ravens free agent linebacker Patrick Queen. He and the Texans have mutual interest, according to ESPN’s D.J. Bien-Aime. Queen made the Pro Bowl in 2023 and was a second-team All-Pro player for the Ravens in his fourth NFL season.
The former No. 26 overall pick in 2020 has been productive over the past two seasons. Queen tallied 3.5 sacks, 113 combined tackles, nine tackles for a loss, six defended passes and six quarterback hits this past season in Mike Macdonald’s No. 1-ranked defense. His 48 quarterback pressures and eight sacks since 2022 are also second-most among off-ball linebackers.
Queen could be the player head coach DeMeco Ryans has searched for at the position, but bringing him in would effectively shut down a Blake Cashman reunion. They play the same position and Queen would cost significantly more. Queen has a market value of around $18.5 million per year, according to Spotrac, which would put him right below San Francisco 49ers middle linebacker Fred Warner – someone who thrived under Ryans’ tutelage.
The Texans have a lot of money to spend this offseason but need to use it strategically to capitalize on C.J. Stroud’s rookie contract. There is also a potential impending contract extension for wide receiver Nico Collins and perhaps the desire to retain other internal free agents like defensive end Jonathan Greenard and running back Devin Singletary.
Free agency officially kicks off on March 13, but agents and teams can communicate unofficially on March 11.
