The Ravens and Steelers are set for the first of two highly intense matchups, and Patrick Queen has already declared this contest a must-see TV event.
Speaking to reporters about Sunday’s matchup and reflecting on free agency, Queen said that Baltimore didn’t offer him a new contract before he signed a three-year deal with Pittsburgh.
“I wasn’t wanted back. I didn’t get an offer back. It’s definitely kind of upsetting, being there for four years, the bond that you grow with your teammates. At the end of the day, the first few months, you definitely go through those feelings.”
Looking to add his own spice to the contention, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin is planning to make Queen a captain for the game, and he’ll be out front for the coin toss.
Mike Tomlin told @BobLabriola of the Steelers’ website he plans to send former Raven Patrick Queen out for the coin toss today.
“I’m going to send him out for the coin toss, if that gives you any indication. Motivation is good. We’re human, and everyone wants to feel wanted.” pic.twitter.com/JNy1raOR0r
— Brooke Pryor (@bepryor) November 17, 2024
The running mate for Roquan Smith, Queen made his first Pro Bowl this season after logging 125 tackles (78 solos) and matching a career-high with six passes defended. He also added 3.5 sacks, nine tackles for loss, one interception, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery for the best defense in the league.
Queen is the only NFL defender to have produced at least 400 tackles (with 445), double-digit sacks (13.5), and double-digit takeaways (four interceptions and six fumble recoveries) since 2020.
This season in Pittsburgh, Queen has 62 tackles, no sacks, and a 101 passer rating allowed on 324 coverage snaps.
