Ravens ‘Potential Trade Candidate’ LB Patrick Queen Finds Out Decision About His Future

Patrick Queen

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Baltimore Ravens have decided that they will not be exercising the fifth-year option on linebacker Patrick Queen for the 2024 season, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

The decision comes just one day after The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec speculated that Queen could be a “potential trade candidate“.

Queen was selected by the Ravens with the 28th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft and has shown flashes of potential but has yet to fully live up to the expectations that came with his draft position. However, he did put together his best year as a professional in 2022, recording 117 tackles, 5 sacks, 9 tackles for a loss, and 2 interceptions.

Despite his improved performance, the Ravens’ decision not to exercise Queen’s fifth-year option indicates that they may be considering other options at the linebacker position. The team recently drafted Clemson linebacker Trenton Simpson with the 86th overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, adding to an already talented group of linebackers that includes the recently acquired Roquan Smith.

The decision not to exercise Queen’s option also puts him in a prove-it year for the 2023 season. Queen will need to continue to improve and demonstrate his value to the team if he hopes to earn a long-term extension next offseason.

Although the Ravens’ decision may come as a surprise to some fans, it is not entirely unexpected given the team’s history of making shrewd personnel decisions. The Ravens have consistently shown a willingness to part ways with players who no longer fit their plans, and it appears that Queen may be the latest casualty of that strategy.

Regardless of the reasoning behind the decision, the Ravens’ move underscores the team’s commitment to building a championship-caliber roster. With talented players at every position and a proven track record of success, the Ravens are well-positioned to compete for the Super Bowl in the coming years.