Prior to the deadline on Tuesday, March 5, the Baltimore Ravens made the decision to franchise tag their outstanding defensive tackle, Justin Madubuike. While supporters are relieved that the front staff has signed the breakout player, some are worried about what might happen to local linebacker Patrick Queen.
When the Ravens tweeted about the Madubuike announcement, X user “Ant” was among the first to respond, saying, “Goodbye patrick [crown emoji].” “I like it now pay him and Patrick Queen,” a another person commented.
The concern among fans is that there won’t be enough money to keep Queen wearing purple and black.
“I’m glad he isn’t leaving, but we gotta get that deal done before FA,” commented another person. Although I trust EDC to do what he usually does—put the best squad on the field—I would have preferred to see a tag on PQ and a deal already in place with Beeks.
In order to free up more money for other free agents, the Ravens could yet complete their work on a long-term deal with Madubuike before he enters free agency.
The emotion expressed by another user, “I like it now pay him and Patrick Queen,” sums up a lot of the feelings expressed.
Ravens’ Financials Preventing Bringing Back Patrick Queen
Madubuike’s cap hit is now $22.1 million due to the franchise tag being applied to him. The Ravens are $9.5 million short in cap space, according to OverTheCap.
If they want to fill the voids left by free agents, they will have to make cuts and reorganize before the league season begins.
Queen will make a lot of money this summer as one of the best defenders and linebackers available in this year’s free agency class.
According to Spotrac’s market valuation tool, the standout linebacker will be worth $93 million ($18.5 million annually) in five years. With Roquan Smith’s contract, the Ravens had already spent $100 million on linebackers, and they selected Trenton Simpson in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Baltimore may need to concentrate their remaining resources on the RB, OL, and DL positions due to the absence of one of their top defenders in the league at those positions.
“A return to Baltimore would be perfectly logical, as Queen would stay next to Smith and continue competing for a Super Bowl contender,” said Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report in an article discussing defensive fits.
It appears unlikely that they will be able to reclaim the prior first-round pick, though, given their current financial situation.
Teams Will Line up for Patrick Queen’s Services
This offseason, Queen should have no trouble finding a team willing to offer him a big contract. The former first rounder appears to have advanced in his development and is coming off of the finest year of his career.
Knox noted, “The best off-ball linebacker set to go on the market later this month is Patrick Queen.” “Paired with 2022 trade acquisition Roquan Smith in the middle of Baltimore’s defense, Queen became a star,” Knox said in his writing.
“The Seattle Seahawks would also make a ton of sense,” Knox added. Seattle is in need of a defensive talent infusion, and Macdonald knows how to set Queen up for success.
To begin the Seahawks’ defensive makeover, Macdonald, the former defensive coordinator for the Ravens, might try to add Queen.
Knox also mentioned Queen’s alternative: the Philadelphia Eagles. “The Eagles would also be a fine landing spot for the 24-year-old,” the author said. Philadelphia’s back seven is in dire need of assistance.
Knox clarified, “The Eagles could give Queen a chance to return to the postseason while helping him continue his upward trajectory.”
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