When a team has the opportunity to acquire a talented player who can immediately enhance its roster, it will make every effort to do so. If this also involves taking the player from a division rival, the team should go to any lengths to secure him.
That's exactly what the Steelers did this offseason, signing former Ravens linebacker Patrick Queen to the largest free-agent contract in franchise history (three years, $41M). Head coach Mike Tomlin said it was a no-brainer.
"You get an opportunity to get a guy like Queen, man, it doesn't matter about the other components of the equation," Tomlin said. "He's just a good, well-rounded football player, and he showed that here in a football-like environment. Can't wait to get him to Latrobe."
Queen has quickly taken over Pittsburgh's inside linebacker room, which has changed significantly in the past few years.
What was once one of the Steelers' weakest groups is arguably one of their strongest, with players like Queen, Elandon Roberts, Cole Holcomb and third-round rookie Payton Wilson.
Queen realized fairly soon that the group could be special. Following the first two days of OTAs in May, his expectations were already sky-high.
"We're great," Queen stated. "We've got the guys to do it, especially when Cole comes back. We're going to be clicking on all cylinders. I can't wait."
With Queen at the forefront, that's exactly what Pittsburgh's defense can be. Over the past two seasons, he has registered 250 tackles, 8.5 sacks, two forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, three interceptions and 12 passes defensed.
The 24-year-old brings athleticism to the position that the Steelers have lacked since losing Ryan Shazier and more leadership to the room.
Wilson revealed he's already learned a lot from Queen.
"Just little things," Wilson said. "Just kind of being in his hip pocket like, 'Hey man, what did you see to do this?' He's so smart that he's able to kind of manipulate a quarterback."
Queen has played the villain since switching sides in one of the NFL's fiercest rivalries, and Pittsburgh is still pinching itself that he traded in his purple and black for the black and gold.
