Queen ready to be 'villain' vs. Ravens after joining Steelers

Patrick Queen recently signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers to remain in the AFC North, and the 24-year-old linebacker said Friday that he can't wait to face the Baltimore Ravens, a place he called home for the last four seasons.

"It's going to be weird, but I want to be that villain," Queen said about facing Baltimore in 2024. "I want to be that guy. I'm looking to do some stuff to them."

Queen had ups and downs on the Ravens, which led to the team declining the fifth-year option on his contract last May. However, the former first-round pick posted his best season with the club in 2023, finishing the campaign with 133 tackles (nine for loss), six pass breakups, 3.5 sacks, one interception, and one forced fumble. He earned a second-team All-Pro berth and his first Pro Bowl nod.

The LSU product, who was drafted 28th overall in 2020, joined the other side of one of football's biggest rivalries by signing a three-year, $41-million contract with Pittsburgh on Tuesday in a surprising move.

"I'm gonna be that guy," Queen added about being a villain. "I hate that I've gotta be that way, but it is what it is. I'm where I want to be. I'm where I'm happy at right now. I'm where I'm wanted."

Queen said he's a good fit for a decorated Pittsburgh franchise known for stellar defensive play.

"Just the organization itself," Queen said about what drew him to the Steelers. "Known for winning, known for great defenses, and it's got a bunch of stars over here. So I just want to come be a part of that. Come be that extra piece to try to win here."

The Steelers' defense ranked 21st in yards allowed in 2023 but allowed the sixth-fewest points in the league. That helped the team make the playoffs for the third time in the last four seasons. Pittsburgh, however, lost to the Buffalo Bills in the wild-card round, marking the fourth time the club has gone one-and-done in the postseason since the 2016 campaign.