Steelers’ Patrick Queen desirous to show he will be ‘that man’ with out former Ravens teammate

There are a number of the reason why Patrick Queen selected to signal with the Pittsburgh Steelers, together with the prospect to play with fellow Professional Bowlers Cam Hayward, T.J. Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick. One other large purpose why Queen selected Pittsburgh is his need to show that he will be “that man” in the course of a protection. 

The previous Ravens linebacker shared as a lot when he was just lately requested what’s the greatest false impression of him. 

“I would in all probability say that I can not do it by myself,” Queen informed Steelers.com’s Missi Matthews. “I believe everyone thinks that I would like a operating mate that is higher than me to have the ability to do stuff. The largest factor for me now could be simply going out and proving that I will be that man, that vocal, dominant chief that everybody appears to be like as much as.”

Queen’s closing two years in Baltimore had been spent alongside fellow center linebacker Roquan Smith, who got here to the Ravens following a productive run with the Chicago Bears. Collectively, Smith and Queen grew to become arguably the NFL’s greatest center linebacker duo. Smith acquired All-Professional honors every of the previous two years. Queen was named to his first Professional Bowl in 2023. 

“Nice dude,” Queen mentioned of Smith. “Vocal chief. Passionate man. Simply seeing how he performs each single down, each single day, observe, movie, the best way he goes within the cafeteria and greets everyone. Simply an all-around man. 

“There’s a lot I realized from that man. I’m grateful for him, and he is aware of that. We speak about it. There’s a lot stuff that I might go on (saying) about that man.” 

The Steelers clearly really feel that Queen will be “that man” in Pittsburgh provided that they signed him to a three-year, $41 million contract. A 2020 first-round decide, Queen began in every of his 67 regular-season video games with Baltimore. Final season, he stuffed the stat sheet with 133 tackles, 3.5 sacks, six passes defended, an interception, a pressured fumble and a fumble restoration. 

Whereas a few of Pittsburgh’s different signings this offseason have generated extra buzz, JJ Watt, a future Corridor of Fame go rusher and present CBS Sports activities NFL analyst, feels that the Steelers’ acquisition of Queen should not be neglected. 

“I believe that was a very underrated signing that individuals aren’t speaking about as a lot,” Watt mentioned throughout a one-on-one interview with CBS Sports activities. “I believe that is big for his or her protection. You place these playmakers at each stage with Minkah, Queen, T.J., Cam, Highsmith. They’re actually constructing one thing there with Joey Porter as nicely.” 

Watt feels that the Steelers’ flurry of strikes are an try to maximise remaining prime years of a few of their greatest gamers, particularly on protection. 

“I do not suppose that is misplaced on the scenario,” Watt mentioned. “I believe the truth that this group, collectively, not being previous the primary spherical of the playoffs, I believe everyone realizes that that’s underachieving. To me, and if I am a Steelers fan, I am it and I am saying, OK, Omar and them, they are going all in. They’re saying, alright, let’s do that. Let’s make a run, let’s examine what we are able to do with this group. 

“Who is aware of how it will work out. I do not (know), however I am trying ahead to watching.” 

Smith’s signing brings to thoughts the Steelers’ free agent acquisition of James Farrior manner again in 2002. After a stable five-year run with the Jets, Farrior blossomed into an All-Professional in Pittsburgh who helped the Steelers win two Tremendous Bowls. It is protected to say that Queen want to make the same influence throughout his time with the black and gold.