Getty Ravens ILB Patrick Queen.
Another big-time playmaker is potentially available in a trade, so, naturally, speculation points to the Philadelphia Eagles. Would general manager Howie Roseman — fresh off an “impossibly good” draft haul — be in the market for a starting linebacker? The question has to be asked.
The internet started the conversation on May 1 when the Ravens declined the fifth-year option on Patrick Queen. He appears to have one foot out the door with Baltimore drafting inside linebacker Trenton Simpson in Round 3. Queen himself tweeted a surprised reaction immediately after the pick was announced. He correctly read the writing on the wall, and now the Ravens will let him hit free agency in 2024.
The Ravens will not pick up Patrick Queen’s fifth/year option, source says.
Queen could push for a trade out of Baltimore. The Ravens also could try to move him before he becomes an unrestricted free agent. If they wait until after the season, then they get nothing in return. Sports-talk radio lines were lighting up with callers, spurred on by Jody McDonald of JAKIB Sports, asking for Queen to don the midnight green.
He proposed a trade to his 34.1K followers in which the Eagles would give up a Round 2 pick to Baltimore in exchange for Queen and a Round 4 selection.
“He’s a really good player. He played every single snap for the Ravens,” McDonald said. “He’s started every single game since he was a rookie. If I’m the Eagles, I do that in a heartbeat.”
Queen led the Ravens in tackles and tackles for loss last season with 117 and 9, respectively. He also added 5.0 sacks, 2 interceptions and 2 fumble recoveries. Queen was third in voting for Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2020.
Patrick Queen available…
@jodymacman puts together a potential trade package for the #Eagles
Nicholas Morrow Slated to Start with Nakobe Dean
The Eagles’ unofficial depth chart has newcomer Nicholas Morrow slated at weak-side linebacker, with Nakobe Dean locking down the other spot. There isn’t much competition behind those guys: Christian Elliss, Shaun Bradley, Davion Taylor, Patrick Johnson, Kyron Johnson. The team lists Haason Reddick and rookie Nolan Smith as linebackers, but they are basically edge rushers. So, there is somewhat of a need for another playmaker at the position.
Sportsnaut’s Vincent Frank pointed out: “Why not offer up a couple draft picks to fortify what could end up being one of the best defenses in the NFL? Patrick Queen teaming up with Nakobe Dean on the inside in Philadelphia would be a boon for this already-talented team.”
Queen is due only $2.2 million in base salary (via Spotrac) for the 2023 season as he enters the final year of his rookie deal. He could come to Philly on a cheap one-year contract, and the team could decide whether they want to hand him an extension later, a la C.J. Gardner-Johnson. On the flip side, the linebacker spot has never been a position valued strongly by the Eagles.
Ravens Linebacker on Eagles Draft Board in 2020
Queen was scouted in-depth by the Eagles heading into the 2020 draft. He had a pre-draft Zoom meeting (COVID-19 rules) and some thought he might fall to them in the second round. Instead, the Ravens grabbed him with the 28th overall pick in Round 1. The 6-foot, 237-pounder has been a playmaker during his three seasons: 321 tackles, 10 sacks, 5 fumble recoveries, 3 interceptions, and 9 pass breakups in 50 starts.
Patrick Queen’s INT that set up the Ravens TD 🔥