Stay Or Go? Ravens Have Decision To Make On Pro Bowl LB Patrick Queen

Two key members of the Baltimore Ravens' vaunted defense are set to be free agents this offseason. With limited cap space, could their Pro Bowl linebacker play elsewhere in 2024?

In 2024, the Baltimore Ravens' defense will look far different than the unit that led the league in points allowed, sacks, and takeaways. 

That's even before free agency begins this offseason. 

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Defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald has left to be the head coach of the Seattle Seahawks. Defensive backs coach Dennard Wilson has taken the defensive coordinator role in Tennessee and defensive line coach Anthony Weaver has left to join Miami. 

The major coaching staff changes aren't the only thing expected to affect the Ravens unit in 2024. 

When free agency begins in a month, both Pro-Bowl linebacker Patrick Queen, and pass rushing dynamo Justin Madubuike are set to hit the open market... sort of. 

Madubuike, playing a position that is of high value (and coming off a 13-sack season, is (at worst) expected to get hit with the franchise tag. While there are ways to improve their current salary cap space, the Ravens' $7 million is 20th in the NFL, and a clear sign that some good players are going to be walking out the door. 

Queen is probably the most likely of any of the veteran players. While the linebacker market has been barren for quite some time in recent years, the former first-round pick is well on his way to receiving a strong payday. 

Unlike the Ravens, there are also plenty of teams out there that need quality linebacker depth. Organizations like the Dallas Cowboys, Philadelphia Eagles, and even the Pittsburgh Steelers need middle linebacker play like Queen has shown in his first four years. 

In four seasons in Baltimore, the LSU product has tallied over 100 tackles three times. Last season, Queen recorded three and a half sacks to go along with six passes defended and a Pro Football Focus grade of an elite 73.1.

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Should the Ravens allow Queen to walk, the team does have All-Pro linebacker Roquan Smith to continue his dominance at the position. To this point, even general manager Eric DeCosta understands that it's unlikely Queen will get a long-term extension this Spring. 

"Patrick [Queen] had an amazing season," DeCosta said at the end-of-year press conference. "I love Patrick. He’s one of my favorite guys on the team. He’s put himself in a great position, potentially, to hit the market and see what his value is. You never know. If you pick up an option, that’s less money you can spend on somebody else."