Ravens' Roquan Smith Trade 'Best Thing' for Patrick Queen?

What is Patrick Queen's future with the Baltimore Ravens now that Roquan Smith has been extended?

The Baltimore Ravens declined Patrick Queen's fifth-year option in June, and have not reached an agreement on a contract extension, meaning the former first-round pick is set to become a free agent following the 2023 NFL season.

Baltimore extended linebacker Roquan Smith for the next five seasons in January which means Queen is officially in a prove-it year. In 2022, Queen recorded 79 total tackles, nine TFls, five sacks, one forced fumble, and six passes deflected. 

"With or without the former first-rounder, the Ravens defense has the pieces to succeed, starting with fellow linebacker Roquan Smith," CBS Sports writes. "But Smith's arrival at last year's trade deadline might've been the best thing to happen to Queen, freeing up the LSU product to register career numbers. On a contract year after a declined option, he's been a popular subject of trade rumors."

Queen's future with the Ravens is essentially in his own hands. Queen likely will not get an extension unless his play this fall warrants one. The addition of Smith, however, will free up Queen in the middle of Baltimore's defense which gives him a great shot at putting up the career numbers the Ravens' front office is looking for.

There is also the small chance that Queen posts career highs and Baltimore decides to put its money into another position or trade him ahead of the regular season deadline. Whether the Ravens extend Queen or not, the linebacker would certainly find a suitor in free agency if he records career numbers. 

So was the Roquan Smith trade the 'best thing' for Queen's career overall? Yes, while it may or may not extend his career in Baltimore, Queen will be able to take his game to another level by being partnered with Smith this fall.

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You can follow Ben King on Twitter at @BKing_2023.

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