The Baltimore Ravens recently declined the fifth-year contract option for linebacker Patrick Queen, but the former first-round pick doesn’t appear to be taking the news too hard. Speaking to reporters, Queen said that he considers this to be a “blessing in disguise” and that he’s confident that everything will work out for the best.<\/p>\n
As a former first-round pick, the Baltimore Ravens had the option to add a fully-guaranteed fifth year to Patrick Queen’s contract. The team declined, meaning that the linebacker will be a free agent following the 2023 season. While some players wouldn’t be too thrilled about this, Queen sees a silver lining.<\/p>\n
“It’s a blessing in disguise, really. You see guys go both sides of it and get paid either way. At the end of the day, I’m just focused on being the best teammate I can be, being the best player that I can be and just going out there and proving myself. Going out there and playing the gate that I love to play at a high level.”<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
From a certain point of view, Queen has a point. While the security of a fully guaranteed fifth year certainly has its benefits, this will allow the linebacker to hit the free agent market one year earlier. If he responds with a career year, he could earn a massive payday, similar to what Josh Jacobs did in the 2022 season.<\/p>\n
Fortunately, Patrick Queen is in a position to make quite a bit of money in the upcoming season. Roquan Smith will be the top linebacker on the depth chart, which should free up Queen to play a role that caters more to his strengths. He played some of his best football in 2022, and if he can carry that over to 2023, then he should earn a considerable raise from one of the 32 teams.<\/p>\n
\n.@Patrickqueen_<\/a> says he and Roquan Smith are the "best LB duo in the NFL." \ud83d\ude24<\/p>\n
Need proof? PQ said "turn on the tape" \ud83d\udcaa pic.twitter.com\/xQWlyNZm13<\/a><\/p>\n
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) June 2, 2023<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n